The first Congress candidate, Randeep Singh Surjewala, got 43 votes; the party’s second candidate, Mukul Wasnik, managed 42 votes; while its third candidate, Pramod Tiwari, garnered 41 votes.
BJP candidate Ghanshyam Tiwari won with 43 votes. However, the Independent nominee backed by the BJP, Subhash Chandra, could manage just 30 votes.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said after the results were announced: “Congress winning three Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan is a victory for democracy. I congratulate all the three newly-elected MPs. I am sure all three of them will firmly defend the rights of Rajasthan in Delhi.
“It was clear from the start that the Congress had the required majority for all the three seats. But the BJP tried horse-trading after backing an Independent nominee. The solidarity of our MLAs has given a befitting reply to this effort. The BJP will face a similar defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections.”
Meanwhile, Rajasthan BJP has suspended Dholpur MLA Shobharani Kushwah on charges of cross-voting during the RS polls. Kushwah reportedly cast her vote for Congress candidate Pramod Tiwari.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Gulabchand Kataria, said, “Shobharani Kushwaha has been suspended with immediate effect from primary membership. She has been given seven days to explain why she flouted the whip issued by the party which asked her to vote for BJP candidate Ghanshyam Tiwari.”