Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 8: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday announced the candidature of Rajendra Jain for the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the party's core committee held at Sunetra Pawar's official residence, Devgiri, in Mumbai. The meeting discussed potential candidates for the vacant Upper House seat before arriving at a consensus on Jain's name.
NCP state president Sunil Tatkare announced the decision after the meeting, stating that the party had unanimously chosen Rajendra Jain as its official candidate.

Tatkare said Jain had represented the Bhandara-Gondia local authorities constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Council for 12 years and had served in several cooperative institutions, including district central banks and federations. He added that the party had long intended to provide greater representation to the Vidarbha region and selected Jain with that objective in mind.

The Rajya Sabha seat had also triggered speculation about the candidature of senior NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Political circles had suggested that Bhujbal was interested in the seat and had reportedly sought a ministerial berth for his nephew, Sameer Bhujbal, if he were to move to Parliament. However, no official confirmation of such discussions was made by the party.

Addressing questions about Bhujbal's position, Tatkare said the veteran leader remained an integral part of the party and had played a significant role in its growth since its formation in 1999.

He described Bhujbal as one of the founding leaders of the NCP and said his experience would continue to guide the party's future course. Tatkare added that the party would ensure due respect to Bhujbal's seniority and leadership while taking future decisions.
Rejecting speculation about any dissatisfaction within the party, Tatkare said Bhujbal's presence alongside senior leaders after the meeting demonstrated the unity of the organisation.

Responding to his nomination, Rajendra Jain thanked the party leadership, including Sunetra Pawar, MP Parth Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal, minister Dilip Walse Patil, Sunil Tatkare and MP Praful Patel, for reposing faith in him.

Jain said he would continue to work for the party in the same spirit and dedication with which he had served as a grassroots worker in Vidarbha, while striving to fulfil the vision of NCP leader Ajit Pawar.