The Congress on Thursday (March 5, 2026) named Karamvir Singh Boudh, a Scheduled Caste leader, as party’s candidate for the Rajya Sabha election in Haryana. The announcement came on the last date for filing nominations for the biennial election for two seats.

The candidature of Mr. Boudh, a little known political figure in State politics, came as a surprise, as several prominent leaders including former Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee party president Udai Bhan, former Sirsa Lok Sabha member Ashok Tanwar, and some Ahir leaders were among the contenders.

Mr. Boudh’s candidature is being seen as an attempt by the high command to strike the caste balance in the State unit after the party appointed Rao Narender Singh, a Backward Class leader, as its party president breaking away from the two-decade-old tradition of having a Scheduled Caste leader at the helm of the State unit.

More importantly, Mr. Boudh is seen as a “neutral” leader not owing allegiance to any of the two major factions in the State unit.

Mr. Boudh had retired from Haryana Civil Secretariat four years ago. He has been part of various agitations concerning the Scheduled Caste issues and hogged spotlight during the agitation in connection with the death of IPS Y Puran Singh.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has named former Karnal Lok Sabha member Sanjay Bhatia as its candidate. He is considered close confidant of Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal.

Both, the BJP and the Congress candidates are expected to have a smooth sail with 48 and 37 MLAs respectively in the 90-member Assembly.

However, the entry of likely third candidate could make the election interesting, especially with the Congress’ dubious record of having lost Rajya Sabha elections in the past despite having the requisite numbers.

The scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for March 6 and the last date for withdrawal is March 9. The polls, if required, will be held on March 16.