BJP shakes up Rajya Sabha by-elections: ex-NCW chair Rekha Sharma stuns Haryana; Krishnayya for Andhra, Sujit Kumar for Odisha!

The BJP has declared its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-elections in Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The party has fielded Rekha Sharma, former chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), as its candidate from Haryana. In Andhra Pradesh, the BJP has chosen Ryaga Krishnayya, while Sujit Kumar has been nominated from Odisha.

The Rajya Sabha seat in Haryana became vacant following the resignation of BJP leader Krishna Lal Panwar, who won the Israna seat in the assembly elections and was appointed as Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development, Mines, and Geology in the state government. The election for this seat is scheduled for December 20, with the last date for filing nominations being December 10. Given the BJP’s majority in the Haryana Assembly, the party is expected to win this seat unopposed. The term of this seat will extend until August 2028.

Rekha Sharma’s Candidacy

Rekha Sharma, who served as the NCW chairperson from August 2018 to August 2024, is known for her impactful tenure, though her statements often sparked controversies. Her nomination reflects BJP’s strategy to project strong women leaders for significant roles.

Haryana BJP President’s Statement

Before the candidate announcement, Haryana BJP President Mohan Lal Badauli stated on December 8 that the party's organizational ethos allows any of its 30 lakh Haryana members to aspire to the position of Rajya Sabha MP.

Speculations Around Candidates

Several prominent names were under consideration for the Haryana seat. These included Mohan Lal Badauli himself, former MP from Sirsa Sunita Duggal, and Kuldeep Bishnoi, son of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal. Bishnoi, who had recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda, was rumored to be a strong contender. However, the BJP chose Rekha Sharma for the seat. In previous by-elections for another Rajya Sabha seat in August, BJP had fielded Kiran Choudhary, who joined the party from Congress, over other contenders, including Bishnoi’s family. The upcoming election underscores BJP’s strategic planning and its commitment to balancing representation in the Rajya Sabha across states.