Former MLA Rakesh Kalia returns to Congress after a brief stint in BJP
He joined the BJP in 2022 after being denied a Congress ticket to contest the Assembly elections from Gagret in Himachal Pradesh.
Union Health and Family Welfare minister JP Nadda on Thursday filed nomination form lone vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Himachal Pradesh to get re-nominated for the Upper house for second term.
Nadda, whose term will end on April 2, filed nomination papers at HP Assembly and he was accompanied by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, HP assembly Speaker Dr Rajeev Bindal, Education minister Suresh Bhardwaj, state BJP chief Satpal Singh among others.
Nadda’s re-election to Rajya Sabha is almost certain as in the 68-member house, the BJP has a two-thirds majority with 44 seats.
Advertisement
In addition, two independents are also supporting the government while the Opposition Congress has 21 seats. The last date for filing nomination for Rajya Sabha seat in 12 March and polling would be held on 23 March if the main Opposition Congress fields its candidate.
Talking to media, Nadda thanked party high command for fielding in Rajya Sabha polls for second term and said he would try to fulfill inclusive development agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government.
“Modi government has tried to bring Himachal into mainstream during the four years rule and various important projects have also been sanctioned for the state,” he said.
Advertisement
