Rahman Khan is Congress candidate for RS poll

The Congress on Sunday finalised Rahman Khan, Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls from the State.

By virtue of the respective strength in the Legislative Assembly, which forms the electoral college for the Rajya Sabha polls, the BJP can elect two members and the Congress one. The JD(S) with 26 members cannot elect a candidate on its own but the party’s support is crucial for election of the  fourth candidate who will also require the surplus votes of either the BJP or the Congress.  Each candidate requires 45 valid votes to get elected.

Congress sources said the party high command selected Khan for his loyality to the party. Former MPs C K Jaffer Sharief and C M Ibrahim were also in the race.

Outgoing MP Rajeev Chandrashekar, business magnate D K Adikesavalu and land developer Kupendra Reddy are lobbying for the fourth seat. The JD(S), whose support is crucial for the fourth candidate, is likely to announce its decision Monday morning.

Meanwhile, Lingayat community leaders of the Congress have written to the AICC President that the party make available its surplus votes to a candidate from the community. A representation signed by Congress leaders Rani Satish, Allam Veerabhadrappa, M B Patil, B R Patil among other state the community had no representation at both the Houses of the Parliament.

The BJP, which has shortlisted outgoing MP K B Shanappa and party central election cell convener R Ramakrishna as its candidates, is likely to officially announce their names on Monday.

The last date to file the nomination papers is Monday, 3 pm.