BJP eyes Rajya Sabha seat with cross voting:Four to five more MLAs under watch to influence numbers before crucial election

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly Secretariat’s decision to terminate the membership of a Congress MLA from Datia is being viewed as part of the BJP’s broader political strategy ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled in June. According to political observers, if the BJP manages to ensure cross-voting by or disqualify seven Congress MLAs from voting, the Congress could lose one of its Rajya Sabha seats. The BJP’s central leadership is reportedly working with state leaders on this formula to tilt the numbers in its favor. Congress seat under threat after Digvijaya Singh’s term With the term of former Chief Minister and Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh coming to an end, the BJP is eyeing this very seat currently held by the Congress. Elections for three Rajya Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh are proposed in June. Congress numbers shrinking ahead of voting The vacancy of the Datia seat and voting restrictions on Vijaypur MLA Mukesh Malhotra have dealt a major blow to the Congress. Earlier, Congress had 65 MLAs. However: Now, Datia MLA Rajendra Bharti has been sentenced to three years in a financial deposit case, and his Assembly membership has been terminated. If Bharti does not get relief from the Supreme Court, Congress’ strength will drop further to 63 MLAs eligible to vote. Possibility of further reduction in numbers Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre, though claiming to be with Congress in court, has been seen attending BJP meetings and events since 2024. There is speculation that she may not vote for the Congress candidate and could support the BJP instead. If that happens, Congress’ effective strength may fall to 62. BJP strategy: Cross-voting and Absenteeism Sources suggest that 58 votes are required to win one Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. Despite current numbers, Congress still holds an advantage. Therefore, BJP’s strategy is to bring Congress’ effective voting strength below 58. To achieve this, BJP may: Both tactics could help BJP secure the seat. Targeting vulnerable MLAs BJP is reportedly focusing on Congress MLAs who: By identifying such MLAs, BJP may attempt to create pressure—either politically or legally—to induce cross-voting. Sources indicate that MLAs from the Madhya Bharat and Chambal regions are particularly under scrutiny. Political maneuvering intensifies Senior BJP strategists at the state level are actively discussing and executing this plan. In the coming months, further attempts may be made to weaken Congress by influencing or isolating its MLAs.