Congress eyes 5 RS seats in March 16 polls for 37 berths

Even as the Election Commission on Wednesday announced the schedule for Rajya Sabha polls for 37 seats in 10 states, the Congress which is set to witness the completion of membership of its four members is all set to gain five berths in the Upper House.

- ANAND SINGH

With the tenure of senior party leaders including Rajani Patil, KTS Tulsi, Phulo Devi Netam and Abhishek Manu Singhvi coming to completion, the party sources indicated that several leaders are in race to for five berths in the Upper House.

Party insiders indicated that Singhvi, whose tenure from ‘Telangana is coming to an end will once again be sent to the Rajya Sabha from Telangana.

While for the second berth of Rajya Sabha from the southern state, the discussions in the party is on with name of Sudarshan Reddy is also in the frey.

Similarly, even former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who is a prominent OBC face in the mineral rich state could be sent to the Rajya Sabha. However, sources also indicated that even Netam, who is a tribal leader can also be considered for the Rajya Sabha from the state.