Rajya Sabha Poll in Himachal: All Eyes on March 16 Amid Candidate Speculation
Himachal Pradesh is heading into another closely watched Rajya Sabha election, with voting scheduled for March 16. The Election Commission will issue the notification on February 26, giving candidates until March 5 to file nominations and until March 9 to withdraw. Counting will take place at 5:00 PM on polling day.
The election is being held as BJP MP Indu Bala Goswami’s term nears its end in April 2026. The result will decide who carries Himachal’s voice in the Upper House for the next term.
Memories of the 2024 Rajya Sabha election remain fresh, when Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi lost after cross-voting by his own party MLAs, paving the way for BJP’s Harsh Mahajan to win. That upset shook the Congress and highlighted the unpredictable nature of state politics.
This time, Congress holds a numerical advantage in the 68-member Assembly with 40 MLAs against BJP’s 28. Yet, speculation is already swirling over possible candidates. Names like former Union Minister Anand Sharma, former state Congress president Pratibha Singh, and state in-charge Rajni Patil are being discussed within party circles.
With cross-voting still a recent memory, the upcoming election is more than just a routine contest — it’s a test of party unity, discipline, and strategy. As March 16 approaches, political watchers will be keenly observing whether Himachal’s ruling party can hold its flock together or if another surprise awaits.
