New Delhi: Amidst the buzz surrounding the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Rajya Sabha elections are set to take place first. Both the BJP and the SP have begun deliberating on the state elections. The BJP has already started its strategic calculations; it is expected that the party might field candidates for eight seats. During a meeting of the BJP’s core committee on Monday, potential candidates for the Teachers’ and Graduates’ MLC constituencies were discussed alongside the Rajya Sabha seats. Consequently, it is believed that the party may soon announce the names of its candidates for these MLC seats.
There is also talk of the BJP adopting a distinct strategy for the Rajya Sabha elections this time. With an eye on the upcoming Assembly elections, the party might bet on new faces while keeping social equations in mind. According to sources, the party is considering replacing five to six sitting Rajya Sabha MPs with new leaders.
Know the BJP’s formula for the Rajya Sabha.
The BJP’s preparations for the Rajya Sabha elections go beyond merely selecting names. Keeping the 2027 Assembly elections in view, the party may attempt to balance caste and social equations through these Rajya Sabha nominations. The BJP’s probable list could feature candidates from Dalit, backwards, and other caste groups. The party might give opportunities to six new faces, most of whom would be individuals with extensive experience working within the party organisation.
Names of Smriti Irani and Harish Dwivedi also in discussion
Regarding potential Rajya Sabha candidates from Uttar Pradesh, the BJP might consider fielding former Union Minister Smriti Irani. Additionally, there is significant speculation regarding Harish Dwivedi; there is strong talk of giving him an opportunity as a Brahmin face. Meanwhile, the name of former MP Rajveer Singh ‘Raju Bhaiya’ is also being mentioned as a likely contender. There is speculation that they might be sent to the Rajya Sabha, replacing BL Verma. Additionally, the BJP might bet on a new Brahmin face to replace Dr Dinesh Sharma. The party’s central leadership will make the final decision regarding all these names.
Names of Dalit and OBC figures also in the mix
In its prospective strategy, the BJP may also accommodate Dalit and OBC communities to counter SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s ‘PDA’ (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) formula. Former Rajya Sabha MPs Jugal Kishore and Vidyasagar Sonkar are emerging as potential Dalit candidates. From the OBC category, the names of Prakash Pal (State OBC Morcha President) and Durvijay Shakya (State Vice President) are being discussed. Meanwhile, speculation is also rife about sending former Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan to the Rajya Sabha as a Jat representative.
Focus on caste arithmetic for the Assembly elections
It is worth noting that Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled for early 2027. Given this, the Rajya Sabha elections are not merely about securing parliamentary seats for the BJP; they also offer an opportunity for the party to strengthen its hold across various communities.
Discussions regarding the potential strategy include increasing OBC representation, providing a voice to the Dalit community, and accommodating several figures from the ‘Savarna’ (upper-caste) community. There is also talk of giving an opportunity to a representative from the minority community.
