'25 of their MLAs are in touch with us': Keshav Maurya hits back at SP
UP Deputy CM Keshav Maurya claims 25 Samajwadi Party MLAs are in contact with BJP ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls.
In a high-stakes political development ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has launched a stinging counter-attack against the Samajwadi Party (SP). Responding to the SP's claim that they would "spring a surprise" by fielding a third candidate, Maurya turned the tables by suggesting that the real surprise would come from the BJP.
The Deputy CM made these provocative remarks while addressing reporters, alleging that a significant number of the opposition's legislators are already communicating with the ruling party. "We will surprise them. 25 of their MLAs are in touch with us," Maurya declared, hinting at potential cross-party shifts that could alter the election outcome.
The SP's 'Surprise' Strategy
The tension escalated following the nomination process for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls. The Samajwadi Party formally entered the fray as its candidates, Professor Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani, filed their nomination papers. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was present to support the candidates during the filing process.
While the SP had initially announced two nominees, recent buzz regarding the party's attempt to field a third candidate set the stage for this political showdown. The SP's move to push for an additional seat is seen as an attempt to maximize their influence in the upper house.
Rajbhar Questions SP's 'PDA' Formula
The political friction was not limited to the BJP leadership. Om Prakash Rajbhar, a Uttar Pradesh Minister and chief of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, also took aim at the Samajwadi Party's strategy. Rajbhar questioned whether the selected candidates truly aligned with Akhilesh Yadav's PDA (Pichhada, Dalit, Alpashankhyak) political formula.
Taking to the social media platform X, Rajbhar remarked: “Akhilesh ji, I've heard you're going to field three candidates for the Rajya Sabha. Tell me, will all three be from your ‘PDA’ or not?” He further warned the SP against overreaching, suggesting that in their attempt to secure a third seat, they might inadvertently risk losing their second one.
Key Details of the Rajya Sabha Election
The upcoming biennial elections are set to be a crucial battleground for political dominance in Northern India. Here is what is scheduled:
- Polling Date: October 16
- Seats at Stake: 11 total (10 from Uttar Pradesh and 1 from Uttarakhand)
- Term Expiry: The current members' terms expire on November 25
As the nomination process continues under the supervision of the Election Commission, the political atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh remains electric, with both the BJP and the SP locked in a fierce battle for legislative control.