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SP Fields 3 Rajya Sabha Candidates in UP: Will Third Seat Trigger Cross-Voting Battle?
- •The Samajwadi Party (SP) will field three candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, despite having sufficient numbers to secure only two seats independently.
- •The decision sets up a potential contest for the third seat, which could lead to cross-voting as parties seek additional support.
- •Polling for 12 Rajya Sabha seats, including 10 from Uttar Pradesh, is scheduled for October 16, with terms of sitting members ending on November 25, 2026.
- •Based on current Assembly numbers, the BJP-led NDA is expected to win around eight seats, while the SP can secure two, making the third SP candidate reliant on external votes.
- •The Election Commission has set September 29 for notification issuance, October 6 for nominations, and October 16 for voting and counting if required.
Key Questions Answered
The Election Commission of India has scheduled polling for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal on October 16, 2026, with 10 of those seats located in Uttar Pradesh. The notification is set for September 29, and the nomination process runs until October 6. If necessary, voting will take place from 9 am to 4 pm.
Based on the present Assembly numbers, the BJP-led NDA is expected to secure around eight seats, while the Samajwadi Party has the numbers to secure two seats on its own.
Although the Samajwadi Party has enough numbers to secure two seats, fielding a third candidate requires support beyond the party's own strength. This scenario makes the additional seat dependent on votes from outside, potentially leading both major parties to seek support from legislators beyond their core numbers and creating a battleground for cross-voting.
