New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections across five states, with the list drawing attention for the exclusion of two Union ministers—Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian. The omissions have triggered speculation about possible changes in the Union Cabinet in the coming months.
Among the prominent names in the BJP’s list is party national general secretary Tarun Chugh, who has been nominated from Madhya Pradesh. Former Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia has been fielded from Rajasthan, while the party has also backed several organisation leaders and state-level functionaries for the Upper House polls.
Political observers view the candidate selection as part of the BJP’s strategy to strengthen its parliamentary presence while rewarding key organisational leaders. The decision to field Chugh, a senior party strategist from Punjab, is being seen as recognition of his role within the BJP’s national structure.
However, the absence of Union Ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian from the list has generated considerable discussion in political circles. Bittu’s current Rajya Sabha term is nearing completion, and reports suggest the BJP may be considering a larger political role for him in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Kurian’s exclusion has fuelled speculation about possible adjustments within the government’s political and organisational setup.
The Rajya Sabha elections are scheduled for June 18, with vacancies arising due to the retirement of several members. The BJP is expected to comfortably secure most of the seats for which it has nominated candidates, given its legislative strength and alliance support in the respective states.
The party’s latest list underscores its continued emphasis on balancing governance, electoral strategy and organisational representation as it prepares for the next round of political contests.
