Archive · 5 Oct 2026
BJP Names Eight Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha Candidates, Drops Incumbents
The BJP has chosen eight people to run for Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh.
It did not choose any of its current MPs again.
The choices include people from several caste groups, and two of the candidates are women.
Some have held elected office, while others have worked for the party or in law.
The elections for 10 seats are scheduled for October 16.
A candidate needs 37 votes to win a seat.
Based on the current numbers, the BJP-led alliance is expected to win eight seats and the Samajwadi Party two.
The SP could make the contest more difficult if it puts forward a third candidate.
The BJP announced eight candidates for Uttar Pradesh’s upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and did not renominate any of its sitting MPs.
The list includes three OBC candidates, two Dalits and three general-category candidates; two candidates are women.
The candidates include ministers, former MPs, party organisers and a senior advocate, with some linked to the RSS.
Voting for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled for October 16; a candidate needs 37 votes to win.
Based on current Assembly numbers, the NDA is positioned to win eight seats and the Samajwadi Party two, though the SP may consider a third candidate.
- Who
- The BJP announced eight candidates for Uttar Pradesh’s Rajya Sabha elections; the Samajwadi Party has named two candidates.
- What
- The BJP released its list of eight candidates and did not renominate any sitting MPs.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday; elections are scheduled for October 16.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Why
- The list reflects an effort to maintain caste and social balance ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
- BJP candidates
- Dharampal Singh, Prakash Pal, Gopi Krishna Pandey, Vidyasagar Sonkar, Priyanka Singh Rawat, Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan, Radhakant Ojha and Shruti Gangwar.
- Caste distribution
- Three OBC candidates, two Dalits and three general-category candidates.
- Women candidates
- Two: Priyanka Singh Rawat and Shruti Gangwar.
- Seats being contested
- 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh.
- Election date
- October 16.
- Votes needed to win
- 37.
- Current seat outlook
- The NDA is positioned to win eight seats and the Samajwadi Party is expected to win two, based on current Assembly numbers.
- SP candidates named
- Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani.