BJP and Congress Candidates Set for Unopposed Rajya Sabha Election in Chhattisgarh
In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee, Laxmi Verma, and the Congress candidate, Phulo Devi Netam, are likely to be elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Chhattisgarh. This outcome is anticipated due to the current strength of parties in the state assembly, which ensures both candidates meet the required vote quota without contest.
Assembly Strength and Election Quota
The election for two Rajya Sabha seats from Chhattisgarh, which will fall vacant after April 9 this year, requires each candidate to secure at least 31 first-preference votes from Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The winning number is calculated using the formula: total MLAs divided by (vacant seats plus one) plus one. With a 90-member assembly and two seats, the quota stands at 31 votes.
Currently, the Chhattisgarh assembly comprises 54 MLAs from the BJP, 35 from the Indian National Congress (INC), and one from the Gondwana Gantantra Party. Given these numbers, the BJP can easily elect one candidate, while the Congress also has sufficient votes to ensure victory for its nominee. As no third candidate is expected to contest, both Verma and Netam are likely to be elected unopposed once the nomination withdrawal process concludes on March 9.
Party Strategies and Candidate Profiles
The nominations reflect strategic moves by both major parties. The BJP has fielded Laxmi Verma to strengthen OBC (Other Backward Classes) representation in the Rajya Sabha, aiming to broaden its appeal and support base. On the other hand, the Congress has renominated Phulo Devi Netam, a senior tribal leader from the Bastar region and the current state Mahila Congress president. This decision underscores the party's focus on tribal empowerment and women's leadership.
Rajya Sabha Representation from Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh has a total of five members in the Rajya Sabha. Phulo Devi Netam and KTS Tulsi will complete their terms on April 9, 2026. Other MPs from the state include Rajiv Shukla and Ranjeet Ranjan of the Congress, whose terms run until June 2028, and Devendra Pratap Singh, whose term ends in April 2030. This unopposed election is expected to maintain the current balance of representation, with both parties securing their seats without a competitive vote.
The process highlights the political dynamics in Chhattisgarh, where party strengths in the assembly allow for smooth, uncontested elections to the upper house of Parliament. This development is seen as a reflection of the stable political environment in the state, with both BJP and Congress leveraging their numerical advantages to secure key positions.
