Rajya Sabha polls for 37 seats: Congress weighs firepower over formulas

With the Congress' Assembly strength having diminished in several states, more than two dozen contenders are lobbying intensely for the few available berths, as nominations open for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states ahead of March 16 polls.

As nominations open for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states ahead of March 16 polls, the battle lines are clearly drawn. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to secure the lion’s share, the Indian National Congress is likely to win around five seats from four states, two in Telangana and one each from Haryana, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh.

A senior Congress leader told India Today that the party has realised it lacks adequate “firepower” in the Rajya Sabha compared to the Lok Sabha, where strong orators have effectively held ground against the government while pushing the Opposition’s narrative.

“Since our Rajya Sabha quota is limited, the party is considering sending strong speakers rather than going strictly by social representation formulas of SC, ST, OBCs, minorities and women,” the leader said.

With the Congress’ Assembly strength having diminished in several states, more than two dozen contenders are lobbying intensely for the few available berths.

Telangana presents one of the most intriguing contests.

For one Rajya Sabha berth, a party requires 40 MLAs. Congress currently has 66 MLAs, along with support from one Left MLA and seven AIMIM MLAs, taking its effective tally to 74, comfortably ensuring one seat.