RS Deputy Chairman Election: Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh & Sharad Power seek Naveen’s support

Bhubaneswar: Hours after Bihar Chief Minister and JD-U leader Nitish Kumar spoke to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, BJP President Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and NCP Chief Sharad Power also telephoned Patnaik seeking his support for the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Election.

According to reports, both Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh sought the support of BJD for JDU’s Lawmaker and NDA candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh in the election to the post of Deputy Chairman of RS.

Likewise, the NCP Chief also requested Patnaik to support his party’s Vandana Chavan (57), whom the opposition has made candidate for the election.

Currently, there are 244 Parliamentarians in Rajya Sabha and support of 123 members would be needed for a win in the full house. BJD has nine members in the Upper House.

Win for the NDA candidate would be sure if BJD supports him.

Meanwhile, BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra informed the state ruling party will announce its decision on Wednesday.

The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha election will be held on August 9.

The post of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman remained vacant after P. J. Kurien retired on June 30, 2018.