With two Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in Chhattisgarh, political leaders in both the ruling BJP and Opposition Congress are trying to seek a nomination.

While several BJP leaders are lining up for the race, the Congress may choose between present incumbents Motilal Vora or Ramadhar Kashyap. While the terms of both Vora and Kashyap are expiring, only one can be re-elected as the Congress now lacks the requisite strength in the Assembly.

Sources in the Congress said Vora would finally get the nod, as factions in the state unit were in favour of his re-nomination. However, Pradesh Congress Committee chief Charan Das Mahant was noncommittal. “Our candidate will be finalised only after consultations with the party high command,” he added.

On the other hand, the BJP, which can secure the second RS seat, is facing a tough time selecting a candidate.

Till about two months ago, former Union Minister O Rajagopal, who was earlier nominated to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, had visited the state and even called on BJP leaders in a bid to explore the possibility of getting nominated from the state. Later, the name of BJP national secretary Prabhat Jha did the rounds.

However, a section of the party leaders have expressed their displeasure in fielding an outsider, especially since the Assembly elections were scheduled for later this year. Party sources said Virendra Pandey, former chairman of the State Finance Commission, has approached several Central leaders to lobby for a nomination.

Party sources said the BJP, in an attempt to project itself as a pro-tribal party, may field a tribal candidate. The party has been battling allegations that tribal leaders have been sidelined in the state.

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