BJP’s MP Rajya Sabha Poll Into High-Stakes Third-Seat Battle

• BJP fields Mahesh Kevat for crucial third Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh
• Congress nominates Meenakshi Natarajan and moves to prevent cross-voting
• BJP needs 10 additional votes to secure the third seat
• Political temperature rises as both parties prepare for nomination showdown

GG News Bureau
Bhopal, 8th June: The contest for Madhya Pradesh’s third Rajya Sabha seat has turned into a high-voltage political battle after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded Mahesh Kevat against Congress nominee Meenakshi Natarajan, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral showdown.

The BJP’s move comes despite the Congress having the numbers on paper to secure one Rajya Sabha seat comfortably, indicating the ruling party’s confidence in expanding its tally through strategic political manoeuvring.

The political shift became evident when Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, responding to questions about the third seat, remarked, “The third seat will be won — where else would it go?”

Senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya had earlier hinted that if the party fielded a third candidate, it would ensure his victory. The nomination of Mahesh Kevat now signals the BJP’s determination to test Congress unity and discipline ahead of voting.

Kevat’s candidature is politically significant. Currently serving as Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Fishermen Welfare Board with cabinet-rank status, he belongs to the influential Kevat community and has long-standing ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He has been associated with the RSS since 1984 and active in BJP politics since 1995.

Interestingly, Kevat was among 11 BJP workers expelled in 2022 for alleged anti-party activities during the Niwari Municipal Council elections. The expulsion was later revoked, paving the way for his return to the party and eventual elevation as a Rajya Sabha candidate.

The final decision on Kevat’s candidature was reportedly taken during a key meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence attended by senior BJP leaders, including state in-charge Dr. Mahendra Singh, regional organisation secretary Ajay Jamwal and state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal.

The BJP Legislature Party has already directed all party MLAs to remain in Bhopal until June 8 as part of its floor-management strategy.

On Monday, BJP leaders, ministers and MLAs will accompany Kevat in a show-of-strength rally to the Vidhan Sabha for filing his nomination. BJP candidates Tarun Chugh and Rajnish Agrawal had already filed their nominations on Saturday.

The Congress is also preparing for a strong display of unity. Meenakshi Natarajan will file her nomination in the presence of former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, Pradesh Congress Committee chief Jitu Patwari, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar and party legislators.

Amid concerns over possible cross-voting, Congress is reportedly considering shifting its MLAs to Telangana or Karnataka. The move is seen as an effort to safeguard its numbers as the contest intensifies.

The electoral arithmetic remains crucial. With the effective strength of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly estimated at 228, each Rajya Sabha candidate requires 58 votes for victory.

The BJP, with 164 MLAs, can comfortably secure two seats using 116 votes and still retain 48 surplus votes. To win the third seat, it would require an additional 10 votes.

The Congress has 64 MLAs, though its effective strength may fall to around 61 due to potential absences, leaving it only marginally above the winning threshold.

As nomination filing concludes and parties tighten their legislative ranks, attention will now focus on whether Congress can hold its flock together or whether the BJP can engineer the numbers required to pull off a surprise victory in the race for the third Rajya Sabha seat.