New Delhi: Congress is considering to nominate senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi to Rajya Sabha, filling the seat left vacant after K Keshav Rao’s resignation. Veteran lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi has long been a Rajya Sabha member for Congress from various states. 

Congress has prioritised Singhvi over other national and regional leaders due to his significance to the party. Initially, there were plans to nominate Sonia Gandhi from either Rajasthan or Himachal Pradesh. However, when Sonia Gandhi opted out, Singhvi was chosen to represent Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh elections

In the elections held in Himachal Pradesh, Singhvi faced a tough competition against former Congress leader Harsh Mahajan, who was fielded by the BJP. Despite both candidates receiving equal votes, Mahajan won the seat, leaving Singhvi without a position in the Rajya Sabha.

Congress high command, recognizing Singhvi’s dedication, began strategizing to secure him a seat in the Rajya Sabha after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as no other opportunities were expected until 2026.

Keshav Rao’s resignation from Rajya Sabha

Meanwhile, in a political move, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) facilitated the return of veteran politician K Keshav Rao to Congress. Keshav Rao resigned from his Rajya Sabha seat, which had two years remaining, and was subsequently appointed as an advisor to the Telangana Chief Minister with cabinet minister status.

With Keshav Rao’s resignation, Congress, based on the current numbers in Telangana, is in a strong position to secure Singhvi’s election for the remaining term until 2026. Discussions between Telangana Congress Chief Revanth Reddy, the Congress high command and Singhvi are reportedly in the final stages.