Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha and Supreme Court lawyer Manan Kumar Mishra have filed their nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha by-polls in Bihar, necessitated by the election of sitting MPs Vivek Thakur and Misa Bharti. Kushwaha aims to advocate for judicial reforms, particularly opposing the collegium system, while Mishra emphasizes the honor of representing the legal community. In Madhya Pradesh, Union Minister George Kurian also submitted his nomination as the BJP candidate for a Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Jyotiraditya Scindia, with expectations of winning unopposed due to a lack of opposition candidates. Kurian's nomination has surprised some senior BJP leaders who anticipated a different candidate. Elections for 12 vacant Rajya Sabha seats across nine states are scheduled for September 3, with the BJP holding a majority in Madhya Pradesh's assembly, favoring Kurian's candidacy. The last date for withdrawal of nominations in Bihar is August 27.