Uttar Pradesh RS Election Upends Political Equation; SP and Congress on Edge

In a political twist that has left the Opposition in Uttar Pradesh reeling, the recent Rajya Sabha elections have reshaped alliances and sparked internal discord within the Samajwadi Party (SP), raising concerns for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious, clinching eight out of the ten Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, dealing a significant blow to the SP, which had anticipated securing three seats based on its legislative strength.

Despite expectations, the SP’s third candidate, ex-bureaucrat Alok Ranjan, lost the election as seven SP MLAs defected, cross-voting in favor of BJP nominees.

The outcome not only signifies a setback for the Samajwadi Party but also raises questions about the cohesion of the INDIA alliance, which comprises the SP and the Congress in Uttar Pradesh. This development has sparked fears among alliance leaders about its impact on their prospects in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Moreover, the Rajya Sabha poll results have reignited tensions between the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The Congress, previously avoiding direct confrontation with the BSP, has now accused it of indirectly aiding the BJP by voting for its candidates.

State Congress president Ajay Rai criticized the BSP’s move, stating that it has exposed the party’s alignment with the BJP.

The SP’s internal challenges were further highlighted by the defection of key members during the voting process. Manoj Pandey, representing the Unchahar Assembly segment of Raebareli, and Rakesh Pratap Singh from the Gauriganj Assembly seat in Amethi, both crucial constituencies for the Congress, crossed party lines to support BJP candidates.

The presence of dissenting SP members in Raebareli and Amethi has raised concerns within the Congress, prompting a reassessment of its electoral strategy for these significant constituencies.

Meanwhile, the BJP has claimed to have been in contact with the rebel SP legislators, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.

With the impending Lok Sabha polls drawing closer, the SP faces the urgent task of realigning its strategies and addressing internal discord. The party’s challenge is compounded by the diverse demographics of the rebel MLAs, including representation from Brahmin, Thakur, backward, and Dalit communities.

As the alliance grapples with the aftermath of the Rajya Sabha polls, Congress leader Ajay Rai emphasized the need for introspection within the SP ranks, highlighting the importance of unity in facing upcoming electoral challenges.