This story is from September 21, 2021

Congress names Rajani Patil for Rajya Sabha bypoll from Maharashtra

Congress nomination of former MP Rajani Patil for the upcoming byelection to the Rajya Sabha from Hingoli, over several other stalwarts, has taken many by surprise. The election was necessitated following the death of sitting MP Rajeev Satav due to post-Covid complications.
Congress names Rajani Patil for Rajya Sabha bypoll from Maharashtra
Rajani Patil with Rahul Gandhi
AURANGABAD: Congress nomination of former MP Rajani Patil for the upcoming byelection to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, over several other stalwarts, has taken many by surprise. The election was necessitated following the death of sitting MP Rajeev Satav due to post-Covid complications.
Patil, a former MP of Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha, was considered the party’s choice for the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC).
The 62-year-old, who is currently the party in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, has been picked by Congress leadership ahead of former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, ex-MPs Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam. Pradnya Satav, the widow of late Rajeev Satav, was also among the top contenders for the RS seat.
While Pradnya was considered the frontrunner for the ticket, Congress brass said she might be considered for another important responsibility.
“Pradnya’s name was among top choices before the party. Within weeks of her husband’s death, she was promoted to the position of vice-president of Maharashtra Congress. Since Rajeev was very close to Rahul Gandhi, Pradnya is expected to have a bright future in Congress,” a senior Congress leader said.
In another twist to Rajya Sabha poll to be held in October, the BJP has announced the candidature of Sanjay Upadhyay, party general secretary of the Mumbai unit, which means Patil will not witness an unopposed election to Rajya Sabha.
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