Archive · 29 Sep 2026
BJP weighs Irani, Vishwas among Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha picks
Uttar Pradesh will elect representatives to 10 Rajya Sabha seats on 16 October.
The BJP is considering several people for its nominations.
Reports mention Smriti Irani and Harish Dwivedi as likely choices.
Kumar Vishwas and Hardeep Singh Puri are also being discussed.
Other names include Varun Gandhi, Sanjeev Baliyan and Satyapal Singh.
A candidate needs 37 votes from legislators to win one seat.
The BJP and its allies have enough lawmakers to aim for at least seven seats.
The Samajwadi Party can likely win two seats, while the Bahujan Samaj Party could affect the contest for the remaining seat.
Reports identify Smriti Irani and Harish Dwivedi as likely Bharatiya Janata Party candidates for Uttar Pradesh’s Rajya Sabha election.
Kumar Vishwas, Hardeep Singh Puri, Varun Gandhi, Sanjeev Baliyan and Satyapal Singh are also reportedly under consideration.
The Uttar Pradesh BJP has sent a 25-name panel to central leadership for 10 Rajya Sabha vacancies.
The BJP and its allies have 289 Uttar Pradesh MLAs, giving them a strong base for seven seats and a possible eighth.
The Samajwadi Party and Congress together have 103 MLAs, while Bahujan Samaj Party support could influence the final seat.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party, its allies, the Samajwadi Party, Congress and potential candidates including Smriti Irani, Harish Dwivedi, Kumar Vishwas and Hardeep Singh Puri.
- What
- Uttar Pradesh is preparing to elect members for 10 vacant Rajya Sabha seats, with parties considering their candidate lists.
- When
- The election is scheduled for 16 October; the current terms of the 10 seats are ending.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- The nominations are part of party strategy ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and will be shaped by legislative vote arithmetic.
- Seats vacant
- 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh
- Election date
- 16 October
- Effective MLAs
- 397
- Votes per seat
- 37 first-preference votes
- BJP-NDA strength
- 289 MLAs
- Opposition strength
- Samajwadi Party and Congress together have 103 MLAs
- BJP panel
- 25 names submitted to central leadership