Samajwadi Party skips third candidate in Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha elections

The Samajwadi Party decided not to field a third candidate for the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha elections, with the BJP nominating eight candidates and the SP sticking to two.

Political analysts noted the strategic move prevents internal party rifts, avoids cross-voting embarrassment, and preserves organizational stability ahead of assembly elections.

In the February 2024 Rajya Sabha elections, the BJP fielded a surplus candidate and won all eight seats after approximately seven SP MLAs engaged in cross-voting.