Nagpur/Gondia, June 8

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday announced senior leader and former MLA Rajendra Jain as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar after prolonged deliberations within the party. Jain is considered a close aide of NCP working president Praful Patel.

Several names were reportedly under consideration for the Rajya Sabha seat, including that of minister Chhagan Bhujbal, as discussions within the party intensified over the candidature.

The Rajya Sabha vacancy arose after Sunetra Pawar resigned from the Upper House following her appointment as Deputy Chief Minister.

The post had fallen vacant after the demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, following which Sunetra Pawar was elevated to the position.

Amid speculation over who would represent the NCP quota in the Rajya Sabha, the party eventually finalised Jain’s candidature.

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