Parshottam Rupala (61), who hails from Amreli district, is considered an influential Patel leader from Saurashtra. (PTI file photo)
BJP national vice president Parshottam Rupala was today elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat as the Congress did not field a candidate.
"Rupala has been elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha as no other candidate was in the fray," said the returning officer and Gujarat Assembly Secretary DM Patel.
The election became necessary because of the death of the Congress Rajya Sabha member Pravin Rashtrapal.
Even if Congress were to field anybody, Mr Rupala's victory was certain as BJP enjoys a majority in the Assembly with 121 seats out of total 182.
Mr Rupala (61), who hails from Amreli district, is considered an influential Patel leader from Saurashtra.
He has been the state BJP president (2006-09) as well as a Rajya Sabha member earlier (2008-2014). He also served as a minister in the Gujarat Government from 1995 to 2002.