Subhash Chandra, a media baron, is the BJP’s Rajya Sabha surprise for the Congress

In a surprising turn of events in Rajasthan’s Rajya Sabha election, a new BJP-backed independent candidate has entered the race. The media baron Subhash Chandra’s last-minute nomination has sparked a race for a seat in Rajasthan, where elections are scheduled for next year.

The chairman of the Essel Group, Subhash Chandra, is the fifth candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections in Rajasthan. Rajasthan has four Rajya Sabha seats, with the Congress likely to win three and the BJP one.

With Subhash Chandra’s entry as the fifth candidate, there will now be a contest for the fourth seat. He will face Pramod Tiwari of the Congress, who is a “outsider” because he is from Uttar Pradesh.

The BJP is said to have made a calculated move, keeping an eye on simmering resentment within the state’s ruling Congress, as well as the Ashok Gehlot-Sachin Pilot feud that threatens to erupt at any moment. The Congress is also facing criticism for its selection of Rajya Sabha candidates, who are all from other states.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot brushed aside concerns about the Congress’ chances. “Our three candidates will all be victorious. Subhash Chandra was the BJP’s candidate. What will they do if they (the BJP) realise they don’t have enough votes? They’ll engage in horse-trading and pollute the state’s atmosphere “he stated

Randeep Surjewala, Mukul Wasnik, and Pramod Tiwari are the three Congress candidates. Ghanshyam Tiwari, a former minister in Vasundhara Raje’s cabinet, is the BJP’s candidate. There are 13 independents, two members of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), two Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP), and two CPM MLAs who could decide the outcome. The BJP is relying on independents, whereas the Congress is relying on smaller parties and the Left.

Picture Courtesy: Google/Images are subject to copyright