Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Congress and BJP Share Spoils in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh
Elections saw significant 'cross-voting' implications, impacting outcomes and political dynamics
The Rajya Sabha elections for 2024 have concluded, and the results from Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh have brought forth a mixed bag of outcomes for the Congress and the BJP.
In Karnataka, the Congress managed to secure three out of the four seats up for grabs. Ajay Maken, Syed Naseer Hussain, and GC Chandrasekhar emerged victorious as Congress candidates. The BJP, on the other hand, secured one seat, with Narayana Bandage emerging victorious. The JD(S) nominee, unfortunately, lost in this round of elections.
Moving to Himachal Pradesh, the BJP’s Harsh Mahajan clinched the seat in Shimla, defeating the Congress’s Abhishek Manu Singhvi. This victory is significant for the BJP, as it comes amidst reports of six Congress MLAs and three Independent MLAs cross-voting in favor of the BJP. This development has led to the BJP claiming that the Congress government in the hill state is now in the minority.
In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP emerged as the clear winner, securing eight out of the ten Rajya Sabha seats. The Samajwadi Party (SP) managed to win two seats, but the loss of one of the three seats it had anticipated hints at possible cross-voting in favor of the BJP. This victory for the BJP is seen as a significant boost ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
The BJP’s success in Uttar Pradesh is particularly noteworthy, as it marks a significant gain for the party in the politically crucial state. The victory of JP Nadda, Smriti Irani, and Arun Singh underscores the party’s ability to mobilize support and secure crucial seats in a competitive electoral landscape. Additionally, former Union minister RPN Singh, former MP Chaudhary Tejveer Singh, general secretary of the party’s Uttar Pradesh unit Amarpal Maurya, former state minister Sangeeta Balwant (Bind), party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, former MLA Sadhna Singh, former Agra mayor Naveen Jain, and industrialist Sanjay Seth have also emerged victorious.
From the Samajwadi Party, actor-MP Jaya Bachchan and Dalit leader Ramji Lal Suman have been elected to the Upper House. Jaya Bachchan received the most votes, with 41 members voting in her favor.
In addition to the contested seats, candidates for the remaining 41 seats in other states were elected unopposed. This includes candidates from various parties who secured their positions without facing any opposition.
The results of the Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh are likely to have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in these states. The Congress and the BJP will now have to navigate the aftermath of these elections, as they seek to consolidate their gains and build on their successes.
Overall, the Rajya Sabha elections in 2024 have once again highlighted the fluid and dynamic nature of Indian politics. The Congress and the BJP have both emerged as winners in these elections, but the real test lies ahead as they seek to translate their victories into tangible gains on the ground.
BY – KASHISH JAIN
