BJP to nominate Purushottam Rupala for Rajya Sabha

Gujarat BJP leader Purushottam Rupala is set to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha from the State to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Congress member Pravin Rashtrapal.

Mr. Rupala will go to the Rajya Sabha for the remaining tenure of Rashtrapal’s term.

“The State BJP has recommended Rupala’s name for the seat. The central parliamentary board will make the official announcement,” said a Gujarat BJP spokesman.

Mr. Rupala’s election assumes significance as his name often figures among the probables in case there is change of guard in the State.

“His selection will change the dynamics of the State politics because he was seen as a strong contender for the chief ministerial job,” a BJP MLA said.

Mr. Rupala, belongs to Kadva Patel community from Saurashtra, is currently the party’s national vice-president. He was the State unit president earlier and has also completed a term in the Rajya Sabha.