Electoral process for RS polls in Rajasthan gets underway

Jaipur, Mar 8 (UNI) The electoral process for three Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan began here today with the issuance of the notification by the Election Commission.

An Election Office spokesman said no nomination has been filed so far.

The last date for filing nominations is March 15, scrutiny of papers would be done on March 17 and the last date for withdrawal of nomination is March 19.

The polling, if required, would be held on March 26 and election process would be over by March 29, the spokesman said.

One seat has already fallen vacant following resignation by former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh. Besides Mr Singh, Congress' Prabha Thakur and BJP's Gyan Prakash Pilania would retire next month, the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, BJP leadership has began discussions for finalising the names of its nominees for the polls.

As per the present strength in the Rajasthan Assembly, the ruling BJP looks set to win two seats while Congress can bag one.

As per the party position in the 200-member assembly, the BJP holds 122 seats(including two expelled legislators-- Surendra Singh and Prahalad Gunjal) followed by Congress 55 (including one expelled member Jagat Singh), INLD 3, JD(U) and BSP 2 each, CPI(M), LJP and Rajasthan Samajik Nyay Manch one each and Independents 13.

UNI SS YA RN1423