Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Eight BJP Candidates File Rajya Sabha Nominations in Uttar Pradesh
Eight candidates from the BJP submitted papers to run for Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh.
The state has 10 seats being contested.
Two Samajwadi Party candidates had also submitted their papers.
The SP had been expected by some to name a third candidate, which could have led to a contest.
But party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the party was focusing on a different goal, and the report said the SP might not force a contest.
BJP leaders criticized the SP and made claims about its political prospects.
If no one changes their plans, all 10 candidates may win without a contested vote.
The election is scheduled for October 16.
Eight BJP candidates filed nominations for Uttar Pradesh’s 10 Rajya Sabha seats on October 6.
Each candidate filed two sets of papers, each backed by 10 lawmakers as proposers, according to the poll officer.
Samajwadi Party candidates Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani had already filed nominations.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s remarks suggested the party might not field a third candidate to force a contest.
Unless the plans change, all 10 candidates could be elected unopposed in the October 16 polls.
- Who
- Eight BJP candidates and two Samajwadi Party candidates filed nominations.
- What
- They filed nominations for 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- Nominations were filed on October 6; the polls are scheduled for October 16. The year is not stated.
- Where
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- The candidates are seeking election to the Rajya Sabha; the SP appeared unlikely to field a third candidate to force a contest.
Samajwadi Party
Bharatiya Janata Party
Whether to force a contest
Samajwadi Party
Akhilesh Yadav said the party's focus was not on fielding three candidates, suggesting the SP might not force a contest.
Bharatiya Janata Party
BJP leaders responded critically; Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the SP had conceded defeat for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh polls.
Representation and PDA claims
Samajwadi Party
The SP's PDA narrative was referenced by BJP leaders, but the report does not provide a direct SP response to their criticism.
Bharatiya Janata Party
BJP leaders said the party's candidate selection showed it respected PDA, and Prakash Pal called the SP's PDA narrative bogus.
- BJP nominees
- Eight
- SP nominees already filed
- Two: Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani
- Seats being contested
- 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh
- Nomination date
- October 6
- Poll date
- October 16
- Proposers
- Each BJP candidate's two sets of nomination papers were accompanied by signatures of 10 lawmakers as proposers.
- Potential outcome
- All 10 candidates could be elected unopposed if plans do not change.