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National Conference to Field Three Candidates for Rajya Sabha, Leaving Congress With Only One Seat

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 3:03 GMT by The New Indian Express

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NC Fields Three Candidates for the Rajya Sabha Race, Leaving One Seat for Congress

By Staff Writer – New Indian Express, 11 Oct 2025

In a development that has sent ripples through the corridors of power, the National Conference (NC) announced on Sunday that it will field three candidates for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections, a move that leaves only one of the contested seats available for the Indian National Congress. The announcement comes just a week before the state legislative assemblies in three states – Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh – are slated to cast their votes for the national upper house. With the NC’s aggressive strategy, the Congress’s chances of securing a seat hinge on a narrow victory in a highly competitive race.

The Rajya Sabha Election Landscape

The Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament, with 245 seats, 12 of which are nominated by the President. Members serve staggered six‑year terms, and approximately one third of the seats are up for election every two years. In 2025, the election will see 18 seats contested across eight states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh each hosting a three‑seat election. The Indian Constitution mandates that the elections are conducted by the elected members of the respective state legislative assemblies (MLAs) through a single transferable vote (STV) system, ensuring proportional representation. (Source: Rajya Sabha Election Rules – Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs)

The electoral formula is particularly critical in the current scenario. Each MLA casts a single vote, ranking the candidates in order of preference. If a candidate secures the quota of votes (calculated as the number of valid votes divided by one more than the number of seats, plus one), they are elected. Any surplus votes are transferred to the next preferences. The process continues until all seats are filled. Thus, a party that fields multiple candidates must manage the risk of vote splitting, a nuance that the NC appears to be banking on.

NC’s Three‑Candidate Slate

According to the official statement released by the NC’s political affairs wing, the party’s trio of candidates are:

All three candidates are seasoned party veterans with extensive grassroots experience. Dr. Sharma, a former medical officer in the Rajasthan Health Department, has campaigned on healthcare reform. Ms. Joshi, a senior economist who has advised state ministries, emphasizes fiscal responsibility and rural development. Mr. Bhatt, a criminal‑law specialist, focuses on justice system overhaul and legal transparency.

The NC’s leadership has emphasized that the spread of its candidates will help them capture a broad spectrum of the MLA electorate. “We are not just looking for a single seat; we want to strengthen NC’s influence across the legislative assemblies,” said the party’s Secretary‑General, Rajesh Singh, during the press briefing. “Our candidates bring a balanced mix of expertise and will appeal to MLAs representing different constituencies.”

The party’s decision to field three candidates is a bold move that could either secure a clean sweep or leave it with none, depending on how the STV transfers play out. Analysts note that this strategy risks diluting NC’s vote base if the party’s support is not uniform across the assembly members.

Congress’s Singular Bid

In contrast, the Indian National Congress (INC) has chosen to contest only one seat in each of the three states. The sole candidates announced are:

Vinod Sharma’s candidature is anchored on his longstanding experience in education policy and his popularity among the rural electorate. Anjali Singh, with a tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, brings administrative acumen and a deep network within the party’s grassroots structure. Dr. Bhat’s focus on public health aligns with the state’s pressing needs post the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The Congress, however, finds itself at a strategic crossroads. With the NC’s three‑candidate entry, the INC’s single‑seat bid becomes a high‑stakes gamble. “We are aware of the challenge. But the strength of our candidates, combined with their grassroots support, positions us well to secure a seat,” said Congress National Convenor, Meera Sharma, during the launch event.

Political Implications

The Rajya Sabha election in 2025 is a bellwether for the 2026 general elections. The upper house’s composition, particularly the distribution of seats among the major parties, often influences policy direction and legislative dynamics. If the NC captures all three seats in the contested states, it would bolster its standing in the house, potentially tipping the balance of power in key committees.

Conversely, if Congress secures the sole remaining seat, it would preserve its presence in the house and enable it to continue its oversight functions. The election also carries strategic importance for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), of which the NC is a coalition partner. A successful bid for NC could give the NDA a stronger upper‑house foothold, thereby smoothing the passage of its legislative agenda.

The Indian government has expressed concerns about the electoral integrity of the Rajya Sabha elections. In a statement released earlier this week, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs underscored the need for transparent processes and adherence to the STV system. “We are committed to ensuring a free, fair and transparent election,” said Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Anil Kumar.

Additional Context and Resources

For readers seeking a deeper understanding of the electoral process and the parties involved, the following resources provide supplementary insights:

1. Rajya Sabha Election Rules – Detailed guidelines on the STV method and voter eligibility.
2. NC Official Website – History, ideology, and policy priorities of the National Conference.
3. Congress Party Profile – Current organizational structure, key leaders, and policy platforms.

These resources, linked in the original article, offer a comprehensive backdrop to the unfolding electoral drama.

Bottom Line

The NC’s decision to field three candidates in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections is a calculated gamble aimed at maximizing its legislative influence. This move inevitably tightens the contest for the Congress, which has chosen a singular candidate in each of the three states. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on the state assemblies and the intricate STV transfers that will ultimately decide whether the NC can claim a clean sweep or whether the Congress will secure its lone seat. The outcome will not only shape the composition of the Rajya Sabha but also set the tone for the next phase of India’s parliamentary politics.