TMC considers renominating MPs for Rajya Sabha; Swapan Dasgupta emerges as BJP choice

The upcoming elections for seven Rajya Sabha seats in West Bengal, scheduled to be held on July 24, have sparked intense speculation regarding the potential candidates. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is expected to secure six of these seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to win one seat. Several names have emerged as possible contenders for these positions.

According to information received, TMC MPs Derek O'Brien, Dola Sen, and Sukhendu Shekhar Rai are among the potential candidates from the party. It is believed that they may secure their party's nomination for the Rajya Sabha seats. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will select candidates from within the state itself, with minimal consideration given to individuals outside West Bengal.

Among the BJP contenders, Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, a former Rajya Sabha MP, is being touted as a potential candidate. Dasgupta enjoys considerable support from top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Another name being mentioned in connection with the BJP's seat is Anirban Gangopadhyay, the director of the Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Research Foundation.

The Election Commission has announced that the nomination process will begin with the issuance of the election notification on July 6. July 13 is the last day for filing nominations, followed by scrutiny on July 14. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until July 17. The voting for the Rajya Sabha seats will take place on July 24, from 9 am to 4 pm. The counting of votes will be conducted on the same day, and the election process is expected to conclude by July 26.

The vacant seats in West Bengal's Rajya Sabha include those of TMC MPs Derek O'Brien, Dola Sen, Sushmita Dev, Shanta Chhetri, Sukhendu Shekhar Rai, and Congress MP Pradeep Bhattacharya. Additionally, a by-election will be held for the seat left vacant by former Goa Chief Minister Luizinho Falero, who resigned earlier this year.

While the majority of the seats are anticipated to be retained by the TMC, the Congress seat will be transferred to the BJP as Pradeep Bhattacharya's term concludes in August. Several names from the state are being considered for this seat.

With the election notification approaching, the anticipation and speculation surrounding the candidates for the Rajya Sabha seats in West Bengal continue to grow. As political parties finalize their nominations, the stage is set for an interesting contest in the upcoming elections.