BJP's 8 Contenders in Race for Single Rajya Sabha Seat

The upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election in Haryana has transformed into a high-stakes political battleground, with eight prominent BJP leaders emerging as potential candidates. The seat became vacant after Krishan Lal Panwar's resignation, creating an opportunity for strategic political positioning.

Dalit Representation Takes Center Stage

Among the frontrunners, multiple Dalit leaders are prominently positioned. Dr. Banwari Lal stands out as a strong contender, backed by former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh. Similarly, Sunita Duggal and Sudesh Kataria are also considered strong candidates, reflecting the BJP's focus on Dalit representation.

The Political Calculus: Numbers Speak Loudly

With 48 BJP legislators and support from 3 independent lawmakers in the 90-member Haryana Assembly, the party's victory in the Rajya Sabha election appears certain. The Congress, with 37 legislators, seems unlikely to challenge the BJP's dominance.

Beyond Community: Strategic Considerations

While community representation remains crucial, the candidates' individual political journeys and organizational contributions are equally significant. Leaders like Mohan Lal Badoli, who chose organizational work over direct electoral contests, and Sanjay Bhatia, who sacrificed his Lok Sabha seat, are also in the race. 

The Complete List of Candidates

The upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election in Haryana has eight prominent BJP leaders in the race:

Dr. Banwari Lal: A prominent Dalit face, backed by former CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh. He was denied a ticket in the Rewari's Bawl constituency during the last assembly elections.

Kuldeep Bishnoi: Son of former CM Chaudhary Bhajan Lal, who joined BJP in 2022. He has been a former MLA and MP with strong voter connections in Haryana and Rajasthan.

Sunita Duggal: A significant Dalit leader who was a Lok Sabha MP from Sirsa in 2019. Despite losing the 2024 assembly elections from Ratiya, she remains a strong contender.

Mohan Lal Badoli: A prominent Brahmin face and former Lok Sabha MP who chose organizational work over direct electoral contests during recent elections.

Sanjay Bhatia: A Punjabi community leader who previously sacrificed his Karnal Lok Sabha seat for Manohar Lal Khattar and has remained active in party organization.

Sudesh Kataria: Played a crucial role in uniting Dalit voters during the Haryana assembly elections and is considered close to Manohar Lal Khattar.

OP Dhankar: A BJP national secretary and a Jat leader who contested but lost in the recent assembly elections.

Captain Abhimanyu: Another Jat leader who also faced defeat in the recent assembly elections.

The by-election, scheduled for December 20, will be a testament to the BJP's internal democratic processes and its commitment to diverse representation.