Mumbai, Feb. 14 -- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday announced MP Praful Patel as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Party chief Sunil Tatkare announced the decision today in Mumbai.

Praful Patel, a former Union Minister, after parting ways with Sharad Pawar joined Ajit Pawar-led NCP.

Earlier today, the BJP announced former Congress leader Ashok Chavan as its candidate for the Biennial elections.

Meanwhile, JP Nadda, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member from Himachal Pradesh, is being fielded from Gujarat since the BJP does not have the numbers to win the lone seat in the Congress-ruled hill state.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena i...