Himachal: CM Sukhu leaves for Delhi ahead of Rajya Sabha elections, candidate discussions today

March 2, 2026

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu left for New Delhi on Sunday. His visit is considered politically significant ahead of the election for the lone Rajya Sabha seat. Deliberations are underway on whether to nominate a central leader, as was the case last time, or a Himachali-born candidate. The Chief Minister is expected to meet with the central leadership on Monday, where a consensus on the party candidate may be reached.

The term of Rajya Sabha MP Indu Goswami from the state ends on April 9, leaving the seat vacant. The election notification has been issued, and the last date for filing nominations is March 5. However, due to the Holi holiday on March 4, only three working days remain for filing nominations. The Congress has not yet revealed its candidate, nor has the BJP made any decision on its nomination.

Given the events surrounding the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections, the Congress is unwilling to take any risks this time. In 2024, Congress suffered a setback in the election for the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.

With the cross-voting of six Congress MLAs and the support of three independent MLAs, BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan emerged victorious, while the Congress candidate lost. Keeping this bitter experience in mind, the Congress leadership is exercising extreme caution in candidate selection this time. Chief Minister Sukhu’s visit to Delhi is being considered part of this strategic brainstorming.