Dhanraj Nathwani thanks Akhilesh Yadav after filing Rajya Sabha nomination
Dhanraj Nathwani filed his Rajya Sabha nomination in Lucknow as the Samajwadi Party candidate, expressing gratitude to Akhilesh Yadav for the trust.
In a significant move for the Samajwadi Party, industrialist Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani officially filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The filing took place in Lucknow, witnessed by Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nathwani's public life.
Gratitude to Akhilesh Yadav
Following the filing, Nathwani took to social media to express his deep appreciation to the party leadership. He thanked the Samajwadi Party National President, Akhilesh Yadav, for the "trust and confidence" placed in him by selecting him as the party's candidate for the Upper House from Uttar Pradesh.
"I express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Honourable National President Shri Akhilesh Yadav Ji for nominating me as the Samajwadi Party candidate for Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh," Nathwani stated. He added that he is entering a new phase of public service and thanked supporters for their affection and best wishes.
A Profile of Influence: From Industry to Sports
Nathwani brings a diverse professional background to his political role. He currently serves as the Director of Reliance New Energy Limited and holds the position of President of the Gujarat Cricket Association. His professional portfolio includes significant responsibilities in several sectors:
- Industrial Leadership: He is a Board Member of Reliance Corporate IT Park Limited and oversees manufacturing divisions in Jamnagar.
- Strategic Infrastructure: He manages strategic responsibilities for Reliance Jio in Gujarat and leads the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) vertical within the Reliance ecosystem.
- Sports Governance: As President of the Gujarat Cricket Association, he oversees governance and infrastructure for the association, which administers the Narendra Modi Stadium.
- Institutional Ties: His influence extends to various educational and environmental institutions, including the Gujarat State Board for Wildlife and Pandit Dindayal Energy University.
Political Maneuvers in Uttar Pradesh
The nomination of Nathwani comes amidst intense political activity in the state. Alongside Nathwani, Professor Ram Gopal Yadav also filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. When questioned about the possibility of the Samajwadi Party fielding a third candidate, party leaders remained cautious, stating that only the National President could provide a definitive answer on the matter.
However, the atmosphere within the party remains one of high confidence. SP leader ST Hasan expressed strong optimism, suggesting that the party is confident in securing victories for three candidates. He hinted at further "surprises" ahead, including the 2027 elections, noting the party's success in attracting members from the NDA fold.
Mohd Hassan Roomi, the Samajwadi Party MLA from Kanpur Cantonment, also spoke on the significance of Nathwani's entry, noting that the presence of a prominent industrialist from the Reliance Group under the SP banner is a notable development. Roomi expressed hope for the return of the 2012 Samajwadi Party government and suggested that the party's third candidate would be filed with a "firm conviction of victory."