BJP picks Sushil Modi for Bihar Rajya Sabha byelection

NEW DELHI: BJP has picked Sushil Modi for Rajya Sabha byelection from Bihar.
His election to the Upper House is all but certain as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has a majority in the state assembly.
Election to the seat is due for December 14 if the rival alliance led by the RJD decides to contest.
The seat had fallen vacant following the death of Lok Janshakti Party founder and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan.

Sushil Modi's passage to Rajya Sabha was speculated, after he was not picked as Nitish Kumar's deputy in the newly formed Bihar cabinet; BJP chosing Tarkishore Prasad and Renu instead.
Sushil Modi had been Nitish Kumar's deputy for the major part of the latter's previous tenures as Bihar CM, except when the JDU ruled with RJD and Congress as its allies.
BJP's decision to pick Modi for Rajya sabha election is seen as an attempt by the party to infuse a new crop of leadership in the state.
(With inputs from PTI)