8 BJP candidates file nomination for UP Rajya Sabha polls after big shake-up

Eight BJP candidates filed their nominations on Tuesday for the Rajya Sabha biennial elections from Uttar Pradesh, while the opposition Samajwadi Party indicated it may not push for a contest in the October 16 polls. With two SP candidates having already filed their papers, the contest for 10 seats appears set to end without voting unless there is a last-minute change. All eight BJP candidates submitted their nomination papers before returning officer Ajeet Verma in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior leaders.

The BJP’s selections, including two women, reflected a mix of caste and regional representation ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. The BJP candidates are Dharampal Singh, Prakash Pal and Shruti Gangwar from OBC communities; Vidya Sagar Sonkar and Priyanka Rawat from Dalit communities; and Radhakant Ojha, Gopi Krishna Pandey and Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan. “All the candidates filed two sets of nomination papers, each accompanied by signatures of 10 lawmakers as proposers,” poll officer Ajit Verma told PTI.The two Samajwadi Party candidates who have already filed their nominations are veteran leader Ram Gopal Yadav and Reliance Industries executive Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani.

There had been speculation that the SP might field a third candidate to force a contest, but party chief Akhilesh Yadav sought to end the suspense with a post on X before leaving for New Delhi to take part in the opposition protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. “Now, our focus is not on three, but on 403,” Yadav said. The BJP quickly responded to the SP’s stand. “The writing is clear. SP has conceded defeat for 2027 UP polls,” Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said.

Earlier in the day, the BJP candidates gathered at the party office opposite the Vidhan Sabha and, after meeting senior leaders including the party’s Uttar Pradesh in-charge Vinod Tawde, left to file their nominations amid drum beats and celebrations. After filing his nomination, BJP OBC wing chief Prakash Pal said, “The selection of BJP candidates shows that only BJP truly respects PDA; SP’s PDA narrative is bogus, and 2027 UP polls will prove it.”

With Tuesday being the last day for filing nominations for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats, the current line-up suggests that all 10 candidates could be elected unopposed.- Ends