Samajwadi Party’s Setback Ahead of Rajya Sabha Polls Raises Cross-Voting Concerns

GG News Bureau
Lucknow, 27th Feb. In a significant blow to the Samajwadi Party (SP) ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, its chief whip in the Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandey, tendered his resignation this morning. The move follows the absence of eight MLAs from a dinner hosted by party chief Akhilesh Yadav, fueling speculation of cross-voting in the upcoming Upper House election.

The resignation of Pandey, representing Unchahar constituency, amplifies concerns for the SP, not only impacting its chances in the imminent election but also denting its prospects for the upcoming general elections. With the SP slated to contest 63 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh as part of the INDIA alliance, internal dissent poses a significant setback.

Akhilesh Yadav had previously accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exerting pressure on SP legislators, alleging tactics of intimidation and coercion. However, despite his earlier assurance of confidence, Yadav’s tone has shifted, expressing apprehension over potential defections to the BJP camp.

The Rajya Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, where 10 seats are up for grabs, have intensified the political landscape, with 11 candidates in contention, including eight from the ruling BJP and three from the SP. Buoyed by recent alliances and support from regional parties, the BJP appears optimistic about securing victory for all its candidates.

The absence of several SP legislators from the pre-election dinner has raised eyebrows, prompting concerns of clandestine deals and monetary inducements. SP legislator Zahid Baig voiced apprehensions, stating that any potential cross-voting would not be forgiven by the electorate.

In Karnataka, where four Rajya Sabha seats are contested by five candidates, the ruling Congress and the BJP-JDS combine are locked in a tight race, further complicated by the addition of a second opposition candidate. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, the BJP’s nomination for the lone seat has stirred a contest despite Congress’s comfortable Assembly strength.

As the political maneuvering unfolds, all eyes are on the impending elections, with alliances, defections, and cross-voting dynamics shaping the electoral landscape in multiple states.