Archive · 5 Oct 2026
BJP Names Eight Candidates for Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha Polls
The BJP has chosen eight people to run for Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh.
The election is scheduled for October 16.
The party says its central committee approved the candidates.
Two of the eight are women, and a BJP leader said the list represents several caste groups.
Hardeep Singh Puri and B. L. Verma, whose terms are ending, were not chosen.
The Samajwadi Party has named two candidates of its own.
Reports generally say the BJP is expected to win seven seats.
They differ on whether the BJP can also win an eighth seat.
The results will determine who gets the seats.
The BJP announced eight candidates for the October 16 Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh; the party said its Central Election Committee approved the list.
The nominees are Dharampal Singh, Radhakant Ojha, Prakash Pal, Vidyasagar Sonkar, Gopi Krishna Pandey, Priyanka Singh Rawat, Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan and Shruti Gangwar.
Two nominees are women; a BJP leader cited in reports described the list as including three upper-caste candidates, three from Other Backward Classes and two from Scheduled Castes.
Hardeep Singh Puri and B. L. Verma, whose Rajya Sabha terms are ending, were not included; another report also noted Smriti Irani was absent from the list.
The Samajwadi Party named Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani; reports differed on whether the BJP could secure an eighth seat beyond the seven it was widely expected to win.
- Who
- The BJP and its eight nominees; the Samajwadi Party has also named two candidates.
- What
- The BJP announced eight candidates for Rajya Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday; polling is scheduled for October 16.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Why
- The candidates are contesting Rajya Sabha seats; the BJP said its Central Election Committee approved the list.
Eighth BJP seat is possible
Seven BJP seats are expected
BJP prospects in the Uttar Pradesh contest
Eighth BJP seat is possible
One report said the BJP was pushing for an eighth seat; another described victory for all eight BJP candidates as certain.
Seven BJP seats are expected
Other reports said the BJP was expected to win seven seats, with the tenth seat contested and possible cross-voting raising uncertainty.
- BJP nominees
- Dharampal Singh, Radhakant Ojha, Prakash Pal, Vidyasagar Sonkar, Gopi Krishna Pandey, Priyanka Singh Rawat, Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan and Shruti Gangwar
- Polling date
- October 16
- Uttar Pradesh seats in election
- 10
- Women among BJP nominees
- Two: Priyanka Singh Rawat and Shruti Gangwar
- Samajwadi Party nominees
- Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani
- BJP members not included
- Hardeep Singh Puri and B. L. Verma; one report also notes Smriti Irani was absent
- BJP seat outlook in reports
- Reports commonly expected seven wins, while accounts differed on the prospect of an eighth
Sources
BJP Nominates 8 Leaders To Rajya Sabha From UP, Hardeep Puri Not On List
BJP announces 8 candidates for UP Rajya Sabha polls
BJP names 8 candidates for UP Rajya Sabha polls
BJP announces eight candidates for Rajya Sabha biennial elections in UP