BJP’s Rajinder Rana accuses Congress of selling Himachal Rajya Sabha seat

A political storm has erupted in Himachal Pradesh after BJP leader Rajinder Rana accused the Congress of “selling” its lone *Rajya Sabha seat”, stirring fresh controversy in state politics. His remarks came days after the ruling party surprised many by selecting Kangra District Congress Committee president Anurag Sharma as its candidate* for the March 16 biennial elections.

Rana, a former Congress legislator who voted in favour of the BJP during the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections and later joined the saffron party, released a video on Sunday questioning Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s judgment. “I want to ask the chief minister how much the Rajya Sabha seat was sold for and whether the deal was finalised in Dubai,” he said, accusing the state leadership of impropriety.

The choice of Anurag Sharma, considered close to Chief Minister Sukhu and a grassroots leader, shocked many in the Congress, as senior figures, including former Union minister Anand Sharma , were seen as strong contenders for the nomination. Anand Sharma had recently lamented that “self‑respect is very expensive” and suggested that telling the truth had become a punishable act in contemporary politics. When asked about his omission, he said he was unaware of the discussions and that decisions had been taken “in their wisdom”.

Anurag Sharma, who filed his nomination unopposed, is widely expected to be declared elected without contest, as no other party has fielded a candidate. His affidavit disclosed assets worth around ₹15.67 crore , including business interests and commercial vehicles, offering one of the few public windows into the personal profile of the new candidate.

Rana also alleged growing discontent within the Congress party in Himachal Pradesh, saying that workers, legislators and even veteran leaders feel “worried and humiliated” by the leadership’s decisions. He criticised the state government’s handling of financial issues and predicted that voters would deliver a “befitting reply” to the party at the next assembly polls.

The BJP has not fielded any candidate for this Rajya Sabha seat, which is being vacated by outgoing member Indu Bala Goswami , making Anurag Sharma’s path to Parliament virtually assured.