HYDERABAD, Aug 28: Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi has been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Telangana in a bypoll, marking a significant political development for the Congress party in the state. The election was necessitated following the resignation of K Keshava Rao, who left the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to join the Congress. Singhvi’s election was confirmed after the sole other candidate, an independent, had their nomination rejected during the scrutiny process. With no other candidates in the fray, Singhvi’s election was declared unopposed on Tuesday, the last day for the withdrawal of candidatures.
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) Senior Vice President G Niranjan received the certificate of election on Singhvi’s behalf from the returning officer, officially marking his entry into the Rajya Sabha from Telangana. Singhvi had filed his nomination on August 19, expressing his gratitude and honor at being nominated by the Congress party for this crucial bypoll.
This election is particularly notable as it comes after Singhvi’s earlier defeat in the Rajya Sabha elections from Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh earlier this year. In that election, held on February 27, Singhvi faced a tie with BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan, each securing 34 votes. The election was ultimately decided by a draw of lots, in which Mahajan emerged victorious. Singhvi’s unopposed election from Telangana, therefore, represents a significant comeback for the senior lawyer and seasoned politician.
The Rajya Sabha bypoll in Telangana was closely watched, given the state’s dynamic political landscape and the implications it holds for both the Congress party and the broader political scenario. Singhvi’s unopposed election can be seen as a strategic victory for the Congress, especially in a state where the party has been striving to regain its footing.
Singhvi, known for his sharp legal acumen and articulate oratory, brings significant experience to the Rajya Sabha. His return to the Upper House is expected to strengthen the Congress party’s voice in Parliament, particularly on matters of law and justice. His election also underscores the Congress party’s confidence in his abilities to represent Telangana at the national level, despite his recent electoral setback in Himachal Pradesh.
The political context of Singhvi’s election is also important. The resignation of K Keshava Rao from the Rajya Sabha and his subsequent defection to the Congress provided the party with a critical opportunity to consolidate its position in Telangana. By nominating a high-profile candidate like Singhvi, the Congress has signaled its intent to make significant inroads in the state, where it has faced stiff competition from both the BRS and the BJP.
Singhvi’s unopposed election is also a reflection of the internal dynamics within the Telangana political arena. The rejection of the independent candidate’s nomination indicates the strength of the Congress party’s strategy and its ability to navigate the complexities of local politics effectively. It also suggests a consolidation of support for the Congress within certain political circles in Telangana, which could have broader implications for upcoming elections in the state.
As Singhvi prepares to take his seat in the Rajya Sabha, the Congress party will likely look to leverage his experience and expertise in the Upper House to advance its legislative agenda and counter the narrative of its political opponents. His unopposed election is not just a personal victory for Singhvi, but also a symbolic win for the Congress party, which continues to fight for relevance and influence in Telangana’s rapidly evolving political landscape.