Competitive Race for Haryana's Rajya Sabha Seats: Three Candidates Nominate
Synopsis
In a significant political development, three candidates have filed their nominations for two Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana. This competitive landscape includes BJP's Sanjay Bhatia, Congress' Karamvir Singh Boudh, and Independent candidate Satish Nandal, setting the stage for a closely monitored election on March 16.
Key Takeaways
Three candidates have entered the race for two Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana.
Sanjay Bhatia represents the BJP, while Karamvir Singh Boudh is from Congress.
Independent candidate Satish Nandal adds competition to the election.
The election will take place on March 16 .
A total of 31 votes are required to win a seat.
Chandigarh, March 5 (NationPress) On Thursday, BJP's Sanjay Bhatia and Congress' Karamvir Singh Boudh submitted their nominations for the two vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana, which became available after the terms of BJP members Kiran Choudhry and Ram Chander Jangra expired.
Additionally, BJP member Satish Nandal registered as an Independent candidate, heightening the competitiveness of the race. With three candidates vying for two seats, this election is likely to attract significant attention.
Former Member of Parliament Bhatia, who is closely associated with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, brings extensive experience in organizational politics and has roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He has previously served as the state general secretary of the BJP.
Bhatia's political experience includes roles on the Standing Committee on Home Affairs, the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances for Members of Parliament, and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
In a strategic move to secure the Dalit voter base, the Congress has nominated Boudh for his first electoral challenge. With 34 Congress MLAs by his side, including former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Boudh, who retired as an administrative officer from the state Civil Secretariat, expressed gratitude towards the Congress leadership after filing his nomination.
Meanwhile, Nandal, from Bohar village in Rohtak, filed his nomination around 2 p.m. at the Vidhan Sabha, accompanied by Independent MLAs Savitri Jindal, Devendra Kadyan, and Rajesh Joon. Before submitting his nomination, Nandal shared that fellow MLAs had encouraged the inclusion of an Independent candidate, which influenced his decision to enter the race.
Hailing from the Garhi-Sampla-Kiloi Assembly segment, Nandal was previously affiliated with the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and considers Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda a political opponent. He has contested three consecutive Assembly elections against Hooda in 2009 and 2014 as an INLD candidate, and in 2019 as a BJP nominee.
To secure a Rajya Sabha seat in the 90-member Haryana Assembly, a candidate must garner at least 31 votes. The ruling BJP holds the support of 48 legislators, including three Independents, while the Congress boasts 37 MLAs.
The race has garnered increased interest with Nandal's nomination as an Independent. The election is scheduled for March 16.
Point of View
The nominations for the Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana highlight the evolving political dynamics within the state. With significant figures from both BJP and Congress entering the fray, the upcoming election is expected to reflect broader electoral trends and party strategies. The inclusion of an Independent candidate adds an interesting layer to this political contest.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who filed nominations for the Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana?
Sanjay Bhatia from BJP, Karamvir Singh Boudh from Congress, and Independent candidate Satish Nandal.
When will the election for the Rajya Sabha seats be held?
The election is scheduled for March 16.
What is the significance of the Rajya Sabha elections in Haryana?
These elections are crucial as they reflect the political landscape and party dynamics in Haryana.
How many votes are needed to win a Rajya Sabha seat in Haryana?
A candidate requires at least 31 votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat in the 90-member Haryana Assembly.
What background does Sanjay Bhatia have?
Sanjay Bhatia has extensive experience in organizational politics and has served in various important committees related to home affairs and small enterprises.
