NCP Names Rajendra Jain for Rajya Sabha By-Election, Marking Shift in Power

The buzz in Maharashtra politics over the NCP's Rajya Sabha seat has almost died down. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded senior leader Rajendra Jain for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election. The decision has brought to the fore the changing balance of power in the party and the growing influence of Praful Patel. The seat was vacated when Sunetra Pawar resigned from the Rajya Sabha to focus on state politics. Several names were discussed within the party thereafter. For some time, the name of former MP Navneet Rana also came up seriously, but due to internal opposition, Rajendra Jain's name was finally cleared by the party leadership. Rajendra Jain's selection is not being seen as a mere organisational decision. Political pundits see this as a major strategic victory for Praful Patel. Jain is a two-time Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). He is considered to be very close to Patel. Sunetra Patel has been playing a key role in the organisation, especially in Vidarbha. Praful Patel's role in the party has been under discussion for quite some time.