BJP’s national president, Amit Shah is all set to join the national politics with his latest move. The current MLA from Naranpura in Ahmedabad, Amit Shah will contest Rajya Sabha elections to be held on August 8th. Along with Amit Shah, current Rajya Sabha member Smriti Irani will also contest Rajya Sabha election from Gujarat. Smriti Irani’s term as an MP is coming to an end on 18th August.
Amit Shah has been an MLA from Naranpura constituency in Ahmedabad. However, his increased workload in the national capital in last few years has prompted the party members to decide a bigger role for him. The announcement of Amit Shah contesting election was made by union health minister, JP Nadda. Both the candidates are likely to file their nominations today.
In the 182 member Gujarat assembly, BJP has 27 surplus votes and recently, 11 MLAs of Congress had cast their votes in the support of BJP’s Ram Nath Kovind. This has given new speculations that BJP might field a third candidate from the state and if that happens, the veteran Congress leader, Ahmed Patel might have to face tough competition.
As many as 9 Rajya Sabha members will see their term ending in August. The names also include Sitaram Yechury, CPM general secretary and Derek O’Brien of Trinamool COngress.