Speculations are rife in Congress over Rajya Sabha nominations, with the list led by veteran leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and a couple of other members of the dissident G-23 group, who had spearheaded an attempt to bring in fundamental structural changes in the party.

Congress managers said that some sitting members are likely to be re-nominated from states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, but it is Rajasthan that is being watched for accommodations from outside. It's here that Azad is being considered, an All India Congress Committee (AICC) manager said. Maharashtra too has a vacancy for a party MP.

Sources said that Rajasthan Congress is witnessing a strong demand for a tribal to be nominated to the Upper House. With the party likely to get three Rajya Sabha seats from the state, a tribal veteran and an AICC office bearer close to Rahul Gandhi are said to be under serious consideration.

Three AICC managers who are close to the Gandhi family, especially Rahul Gandhi, are also in contention from other states. Two of them may get the final nod.

(With inputs from agencies)