The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has officially nominated Rajendra Jain for the Rajya Sabha bypoll set for June 18, concluding speculation about Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal's potential candidacy. This decision reflects the ruling Mahayuti alliance's stance against accommodating Bhujbal in the Upper House. Jain, who has previously served two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Council representing the Bhandara-Gondia constituency, is expected to file his nomination on Monday, the final day for submissions. The need for a bypoll arose after Sunetra Pawar resigned from her Rajya Sabha seat on May 7 to assume her role as deputy chief minister. Bhujbal's name was initially considered for the nomination; however, his insistence on securing a cabinet position for his nephew, Sameer Bhujbal, complicated matters. After discussions within the party, Jain was chosen to bolster Vidarbha's representation in the Rajya Sabha, with Tatkare acknowledging Bhujbal's significant contributions to the party since its inception in 1999.