Rajni Patil elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Congress’ Rajni Patil was declared unopposed on Saturday to the Rajya Sabha. The Opposition did not field a candidate against her.

The by-election was necessitated owing to the death of Vilasrao Deshmukh. His term was to expire in April. Saturday was the last date for filing of nominations and the election was to be held on January 12.

On Chavan’s request

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had a meeting with the Opposition leaders and requested them not to field a candidate.

Ms. Patil, a former MP from Beed, had headed the Mahila Congress. With her election, the Congress will have another woman MP from the State; the other being Priya Dutt, who was elected from North central in Mumbai.

Ms. Patil is expected to counter the Nationalist Congress Party’s Rashtrawadi Yuvati Congress, founded by Supriya Sule, MP.