The presence of an independent candidate of the BJP against Congress nominee for Rajya Sabha Vivek Tankha has stopped smooth sailing for Tankha to the upper house.
Sources said that around eight years ago, the BJP was in favour of sending Tankha to the upper house. In the past, Tankha also maintained good relations with the State Government and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
After Tankha filed his nominations two days ago, it was believed that this time, Tankha would have smooth sailing as the BJP in Madhya Pradesh was in favour of sending him to Rajya Sabha.
However, at the eleventh hour, on Monday night, equations changed abruptly and the national leadership of the BJP was of the view to field one independent candidate against Tankha.
Going by the number equation, the BJP after winning Ghoradongari by-election, requires eight votes for the victory of its independent candidate Vinod Gotiya. On the other hand, the Congress requires only one vote. There are three independent legislators and four Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) members in the State Assembly.
If Congress manages to get one independent or BSP vote, Tankha would get through, but the BJP requires eight votes. If all three independents and four of BSP vote for Gotiya, he would require two more members’ support and fort he purpose, he would have to look towards Congress legislators.
Sources said that the first name that was received from New Delhi for nominating as an independent candidate was of State BJP general secretary Ajay Pratap Singh. Since he was in his home town Singrauli and he was not able to reach here by 1 pm, the name was Phoolchand Verma came out. His son had purchased the nomination form and remained present in the Assembly premises, but he too declined saying that the number is not in favour of the party.
Finally, another general secretary Vinod Gotiya’s name was decided. At first, in the form of proposers, maximum Ministers signed. later, it was realised that if the Gotiya gets defeated, it would not be wise to get his candidature proposed by the Ministers. later, the form was again filled with the proposal by BJP legislators.