Bhopal, June 8 (IANS) The contest for Madhya Pradesh’s third Rajya Sabha seat has turned into a high-stakes game of cross-voting calculations after the BJP fielded Mahesh Kevat as its surprise candidate.

With only around 48 votes remaining after the first two seats, the BJP needs at least 10 additional votes through cross-voting from Congress MLAs to ensure victory in what has become an intriguing electoral battle.

Kevat, hailing from Niwari in the Bundelkhand region and belonging to the Kevat community (part of OBCs), filed his nomination papers on Monday — the last date for submissions.

His selection, announced at the eleventh hour after intense weekend deliberations by senior BJP leaders and approval from the central leadership, aims to bring social and regional balance.

Party strategists see his strong community influence in Bundelkhand and his grassroots connect as vital assets.

Kevat’s political career has had its share of turbulence. He was earlier expelled from the BJP for six years on charges of anti-party activities during urban body elections. However, he worked his way back into the party’s fold, drawing on his RSS background.

Just weeks ago, on April 24, the state government appointed him as Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Development Board, marking his rehabilitation and rising profile.

The terms of three Rajya Sabha members from the state are ending on June 21 — two held by the BJP and one by Congress, represented by former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, who has opted out of re-contesting. The Congress has nominated Meenakshi Natarajan for the seat. The BJP had already announced Rajnish Agrawal and Tarun Chugh for the first two seats.

–IANS

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