Lucknow, February 27 : Uttar Pradesh held its Rajya Sabha elections, and they were anything but typical. A picture of political intrigue and uncertainty was painted by accusations of “horse-trading,” defections within Akhilesh Yadav led Samajwadi Party and CM Yogi’s Bhartiya Janta Party, and a high-stakes fight for the Upper House seats.
UP Rajya sabha Elections : SP Levels Accusations, Blames BJP for "Dishonesty":
The drama began with the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief, Akhilesh Yadav, launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He accused the saffron party of employing “dishonest tactics” and resorting to “pressure tactics” to lure away SP MLAs. Comparing the situation to the alleged irregularities witnessed in the recent Chandigarh mayoral elections, Yadav stated, “Not everyone has the courage to stand against the government. They [BJP] go to any extent to win. We saw their dishonesty in the Chandigarh elections as well.” He further emphasized his intent to take strict action against the rebel MLAs who allegedly cross-voted, claiming, “Action will be taken because our party leaders want such people out.”
#WATCH | Lucknow: On Rajya Sabha elections, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says, " Not everybody has the guts to stand against the Government...pressure is put on everybody, is there anyone who doesn't know that BJP would go to any extent to win. BJP was dishonest during… pic.twitter.com/WFxqpQzeRc
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024
UP Rajya sabha Elections: BJP Exudes Confidence, Boasts of Support from Smaller Parties:
In the meantime, the BJP camp was confident of winning, and they attributed their optimism to the backing they received from smaller parties such as the Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Encouraged by this backing, the BJP put up eight candidates for Uttar Pradesh’s ten Rajya Sabha seats, more than the number required to win a comfortable majority. In contrast, the SP put forward three candidates for the election. Although the BJP was able to secure seven seats with a landslide, the choice to run a second candidate (Sanjay Seth) forced a contest, and the SP MLAs’ purported cross-voting may be a deciding factor in the outcome of this important eighth seat.
Rebellion Within SP Raises Eyebrows, Sparks Concerns:
Concerns about growing internal dissension within the party were raised by the incident, which revealed a possible rift within the SP. Several prominent SP MLAs were noticeably absent from the pre-poll meeting hosted by Akhilesh Yadav, which stoked rumors that they might not be happy with the party leadership. This development cast doubt on the SP’s ability to maintain unity and cast a shadow over the party’s electoral prospects, coming just months before the crucial Lok Sabha elections.
SP Chief Whip Manoj Kumar Pandey's resignation adds fuel to the fire.
Manoj Kumar Pandey, the chief whip of the SP in the state assembly, abruptly resigned, adding yet another drama to an already volatile situation. Shortly before the Rajya Sabha elections, Pandey submitted his resignation without providing a reason for his abrupt change of heart. This action sparked additional rumors, with some stating that Pandey may shortly join the BJP, further solidifying the position of the ruling party.
Reports surfaced amid the mounting tensions, claiming that four SP MLAs had disregarded party orders and cast cross-party votes in support of the BJP candidates. If this development is verified, it would be a serious blow to the SP and could give the BJP the much-desired eighth seat.
In spite of the accusations and defections, Akhilesh Yadav stuck to his principles. He said, “Those who are looking for ‘profit’ in the situation will leave,” acknowledging the possibility of defections within the party. Those who were assured will depart. With a further jab at the BJP, he said, “Those who dig holes for others themselves or put spikes in someone else’s path fall.” He demonstrated the party’s determination to eliminate those who put their own interests ahead of party loyalty by remaining unwavering in his resolve to take action against the dissident MLAs.
During the whole process, the BJP leadership deliberately remained silent, in sharp contrast to the loud statements made by the SP camp. This methodical approach allowed for multiple interpretations: some saw it as an indication of their confidence in winning, while others saw it as a calculated tactic to prevent tensions from rising even higher.
Despite the drama and controversy surrounding the elections. Currently, counting is taking place, and everyone is anxiously awaiting the official results. In addition to deciding which candidates will win the hotly contested seats, these results will have a significant impact on the next Lok Sabha elections by illuminating the changing political climate and the tactics used by each party to gain control.
