New Delhi: A fierce contest between the BJP and the SP is likely to unfold in the Rajya Sabha elections ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. Voting is scheduled for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in the state. While the BJP is assured of winning 7 seats and the SP 2, a tussle is expected over the 10th seat. If the NDA remains united, the BJP possesses the necessary numerical strength; however, the SP lacks the required number of MLAs to secure a third seat.
In this scenario, the Samajwadi Party might attempt to poach MLAs from the BJP and its allies to bring them into its fold. The SP has filed nominations for two candidates: Ramgopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani. Meanwhile, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has made a claim that is bound to increase anxiety within the BJP camp. After the nomination process, Akhilesh stated that several BJP MLAs are in contact with him and would fully assist in ensuring the victory of the SP’s third candidate.
Akhilesh’s claim stirs the BJP camp.
This statement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has caused a stir within the BJP camp. Launching an attack on the BJP, Akhilesh remarked that had the BJP not engaged in “vote theft” or “MLA poaching” during the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections, the SP would have secured three seats. Notably, seven SP MLAs had cross-voted on that occasion.
They had all sided with the BJP. In the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, all 8 BJP candidates and 2 SP candidates—Jaya Bachchan and Ramji Lal Suman had emerged victorious. The SP had fielded former UP Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan as its third candidate, but he faced defeat due to cross-voting.
Akhilesh Yadav promises a ‘surprise’
SP President Akhilesh Yadav had stated that he would spring a surprise on the public during the Rajya Sabha elections. Subsequently, Akhilesh Yadav purchased four nomination papers for two seats and has now claimed that the names of three candidates will be announced.
The most surprising decision among these, which could be termed Akhilesh Yadav’s first surprise move,e is the decision to field Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as a candidate. Dhanraj Nathwani is the son of Parimal Nathwani, a Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, and serves as a senior executive within the Reliance Group.
Will there be a split in the BJP?
It is worth noting that the Rajya Sabha elections in UP will involve voting for the SP’s third candidate and the BJP’s eighth candidate. The SP will pull out all the stops to ensure the victory of its third candidate, though it is too early to predict the outcome. In this scenario, the likelihood of a split among BJP MLAs has increased significantly.
Akhilesh Yadav has also claimed that several BJP MLAs are in contact with him. This statement has caused a stir within the BJP. If the SP manages to poach BJP MLAs, it would deal a major blow to the NDA alliance.
