Are Rajya Sabha seats for sale?

The storm in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) might soon blow over with NRI businessman and Independent candidate Anshuman Mishra backing down from contesting for the Rajya Sabha. Mr Mishra's candidature had prompted top leaders of the BJP to cry foul over the party promoting unsuitable candidates and also tempting MLAs to sell their vote. His withdrawal of nomination has triggered a bigger question - are MLAs and seats in the Upper House being auctioned?