Ajit Pawar led Nationalist Congress Party has declared former MLA Rajendra Jain as its candidate for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat in Mumbai. This seat became vacant after the resignation of Sunetra Pawar. After an important meeting held in Mumbai late on Sunday night, the party leadership gave the final approval to Jain's name. Many senior party leaders were present in the meeting and a long discussion was held regarding candidate selection. After long discussions, consensus was reached on the name of Rajendra Jain.

According to sources, senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal was also interested in going to Rajya Sabha. It is being told that he had demanded the inclusion of his nephew Sameer Bhujbal in the cabinet. This regard was also discussed at the Grand Alliance level, but due to the proposal not getting the support as expected, their claim could not move forward. Political sources say that in case of future cabinet expansion, Sameer Bhujbal's name can be considered. However, at present only Rajendra Jain has been made the candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat.

Due to Mahayuti having sufficient numerical strength in the Legislature, the possibility of contest on this seat is considered very less. There is also talk that the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi will not field its candidate in this election. Voting for this Rajya Sabha seat is to be held on June 18. If the opposition does not field a candidate then Rajendra Jain's election may go unopposed.

Which two more names were discussed?

According to a senior party leader, this proposal was discussed in the party meeting on Saturday. Later this matter was put before Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He indicated that this matter would require the approval of the BJP central leadership. The senior leader said that since there was no consensus on Bhujbal's candidature, the party considered other options and ultimately chose Jain, who has twice represented the Bhandara-Gondiya local bodies constituency in the Legislative Council. Other names considered included former MP Navneet Rana and NCP leaders Pramod Hindurao and Avinash Adik.

Tatkare said that the party has chosen Jain to strengthen Vidarbha's representation in the Rajya Sabha. About Bhujbal, he said that he is our senior leader and was its first state president at the time of formation of the party in 1999. His name was also discussed and it was unanimously decided that the party would give due respect to his seniority.