The Congress party has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, nominating party president Mallikarjun Kharge and six others. Notably, sitting MP Digvijaya Singh has been dropped from the list of candidates from Karnataka.
Alongside Kharge, the party has fielded AICC Secretary Mansoor Ali Khan and Congress Media and Publicity Department head Pawan Khera as the two other candidates from Karnataka. The decision was announced on June 4, 2026, signaling a strategic shift in the party's representation in the upper house of Parliament.
Key Nominations and Dropped Candidates
The Congress list includes seven candidates in total, with Kharge leading the slate. Digvijaya Singh, a two-time Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, has been replaced, marking a significant change in the party's lineup. The party has not officially commented on the reasons for dropping Singh, but sources suggest a focus on bringing in fresh faces and strengthening organizational leadership.
Other Candidates from Karnataka
In addition to Kharge, Mansoor Ali Khan and Pawan Khera will contest from Karnataka. Khera, who serves as the head of the Congress Media and Publicity Department, is a prominent party spokesperson. Ali Khan, an AICC Secretary, has been active in party affairs in the state.
The Rajya Sabha elections are scheduled to take place later this year, with seats falling vacant due to the retirement of members. The Congress is expected to face tough competition from the ruling BJP and other opposition parties in the biennial polls.
Political Implications
The decision to drop Digvijaya Singh has drawn attention, as he is a veteran leader with considerable experience in both state and national politics. Singh has served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and has been a vocal critic of the BJP. His removal from the Rajya Sabha list could be aimed at accommodating younger leaders or addressing internal factionalism within the Karnataka Congress unit.
Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, will seek re-election from Karnataka. His nomination underscores the party's reliance on his leadership in the upper house. The Congress hopes to maintain its strength in the Rajya Sabha, where it currently holds a significant number of seats.
The full list of seven candidates is expected to be released shortly, with the party likely to field candidates from other states as well. The elections are crucial for the Congress as it seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the next general elections.
