The political temperature in Madhya Pradesh has risen sharply ahead of the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections, with the Congress reportedly considering shifting its MLAs to a Congress-ruled state amid fears of cross-voting and alleged poaching attempts. The move comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) surprised political observers by fielding a third candidate for the three Rajya Sabha seats from the state.
According to party sources, the Congress is exploring the possibility of moving its legislators to Karnataka or Telangana in an effort to keep its flock together and prevent any defections before polling day. The strategy, often referred to as “resort politics,” has been used by several political parties across India during closely contested elections.
The BJP’s decision to field a third candidate has transformed what was initially expected to be a straightforward election into a high-stakes contest. The ruling party has nominated Mahesh Kevat for the additional seat, while Congress has fielded senior leader Meenakshi Natarajan, a close associate of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Both candidates filed their nominations in Bhopal on Monday, the final day for filing papers.
With the effective strength of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly standing at 229, a candidate requires 58 first-preference votes to secure election to the Rajya Sabha. While the BJP enjoys a numerical advantage in the Assembly, the decision to contest all three seats has sparked speculation that the party is banking on support from opposition legislators or independents to secure an additional victory.
Congress leaders have publicly projected confidence and unity, with party MLAs gathering in Bhopal recently to express support for Natarajan’s candidature. However, concerns remain within the party following instances of cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections in several states earlier this year. These experiences have heightened vigilance among Congress strategists as they seek to avoid any surprises in Madhya Pradesh.
Political analysts believe the contest for the third seat will be closely watched as a test of party discipline and organisational strength. The outcome could also offer an early indication of political alignments ahead of future electoral battles in the state.
With just days remaining before voting, both the BJP and Congress are intensifying efforts to secure every possible vote, setting the stage for a dramatic Rajya Sabha showdown in Madhya Pradesh.
