Japan K Pathak, Gandhinagar: The appointment of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi as an observer for the Rajya Sabha elections in Haryana is far from ceremonial or routine. The contest for the second seat has turned into a closely watched battle between the BJP’s second candidate and the Congress’s lone nominee.

On paper, the Congress has sufficient numbers to secure the second seat. However, the entry of the BJP-backed second candidate has created unease within the Congress camp and raised concerns about possible cross-voting. As a result, what initially appeared to be a straightforward contest has now evolved into a politically intriguing election.

In this context, Sanghavi’s appointment as observer is being seen as significant. His role is viewed as particularly important given that he hails from Gujarat — the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah — adding further political weight to the BJP’s strategy in the Haryana Rajya Sabha polls.

The contest between the BJP and the Congress for the Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana has taken an interesting turn, with three candidates now in the race for two seats. The election for the second seat, in particular, has become more closely watched. Amid concerns of possible cross-voting, the Congress is reportedly considering shifting its MLAs to Himachal Pradesh or Karnataka. Monday is the deadline for withdrawal of nominations.

The BJP has nominated Sanjay Bhatia, while the Congress has fielded Karambir Baudh. However, the entry of independent candidate Satish Nandal, who is associated with the BJP, has added a new dimension to the contest. His nomination has heightened the Congress party’s fears of possible political manoeuvring.

While Sanjay Bhatia’s victory is widely considered certain, the Congress had initially appeared confident of securing the second seat. Satish Nandal’s entry, however, has now made the outcome of the second contest more uncertain and politically significant.

Biennial elections for two Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana are scheduled for March 16, 2026. These elections are part of a larger, nationwide process covering 37 seats across 10 states to fill vacancies.