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Akhilesh Yadav's Master Plan: Can SP Poach BJP-NDA MLAs for UP Rajya Sabha Win?
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News18•01-10-2026, 12:30
Akhilesh Yadav's Master Plan: Can SP Poach BJP-NDA MLAs for UP Rajya Sabha Win?
- •The Samajwadi Party (SP) needs additional votes to secure a third Rajya Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, beyond its current strength for two seats.
- •Akhilesh Yadav is focusing on bringing back rebel MLAs, attracting disgruntled BJP MLAs, and potentially poaching from NDA allies.
- •A win for one Rajya Sabha seat in UP requires 37 first-preference votes; the NDA has 288 MLAs, while the SP-Congress camp has around 103.
- •SP's strategy includes targeting BJP MLAs fearing ticket cuts for the 2027 assembly elections, potentially offering them future SP tickets.
- •Akhilesh is also looking to poach MLAs from NDA allies like SBSP and RLD, leveraging old political ties to secure crucial votes.
Key Questions Answered
In Uttar Pradesh, 37 first-preference votes are required to win a single Rajya Sabha seat. This creates an effective calculation of 370 total votes needed across the 10 seats up for election.
The NDA holds approximately 288 MLAs, putting it in a position to easily secure 7 to 8 seats. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party and Congress camp commands around 103 supporting MLAs.
The voting for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to take place on October 16, 2026.
