Union Health and Family Welfare minister JP Nadda are all set to get elected to RajyaSabha unopposed from the lone vacant seat in Himachal Pradesh as the main opposition party, Congress on Sunday decided to not to field any candidate against him.
“Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) has decided to not to field any candidate against Nadda in RajyaSabha election, scheduled to be held on 23 March,” party spokesperson Sanjay Chauhan said.
Chauhan said the BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) during the previous RajyaSabha polls had not fielded any candidates against Anand Sharma and Viplove Thakur and the party has taken this in-principle decision in view of these facts.
Earlier on Thursday, Nadda had filed nomination for lone vacant RajyaSabha seat from Himachal Pradesh to get re-nominated for the Upper house for second term.
The Union Health Minister’s term was scheduled to expire on 2 April.
Nadda’s re-election to RajyaSabha was almost certain as in the 68-member house, the BJP has a two-thirds majority with 44 seats.
In addition, two independents are also supporting the government while the opposition Congress has 21 seats.
It is worthwhile to mention here that the Election Commission of India on 5 March had announced the schedule for the RajyaSabha polls and the last date for filing nominations is March 12. As per the schedule, if needed be, polling will be held on 23 March while all processes of election will be completed by 26 March.