Shivpal Yadav Dismisses MLC Poll Importance, Slams Spokesperson Over Faith Comments
Shivpal Singh Yadav downplays the importance of UP MLC polls and criticizes party spokesperson Rajkumar Bhati over religious remarks.
Samajwadi Party National General Secretary Shivpal Singh Yadav has sparked conversation by downplaying the significance of the ongoing Legislative Council (MLC) elections, while simultaneously distancing the party from controversial religious remarks made by one of its own spokespersons. After casting his vote in Etawah on Friday, October 23, 2026, the veteran leader shifted the focus from the current polls to the broader battle for the Assembly.
MLC Polls vs. Assembly Ambitions
While the Samajwadi Party has been actively campaigning for its candidates, Shivpal Singh Yadav told reporters that the MLC elections do not hold major importance in the grander political scheme. Instead, he expressed strong confidence that the Samajwadi Party is poised for a decisive victory in the upcoming Assembly elections, suggesting that the real power shift will happen there rather than in the upper house.
Despite this dismissive tone toward the MLC polls, the party has put its weight behind several candidates, including sitting MLCs such as Lal Bihari Yadav, Dr. Man Singh Yadav, and Ashutosh Sinha.
The Rajkumar Bhati Controversy
The interaction took a sharper turn when Yadav was questioned about the recent actions of party national spokesperson Rajkumar Bhati. Bhati had landed in hot water after a video from Dussehra emerged, showing him participating in an event centered on the 22 vows of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—vows that include the renunciation of the worship of Hindu deities.
Shivpal Singh Yadav was quick to create a divide between the party's stance and Bhati's public display. "We are people who believe in God; we all have faith in God," Yadav asserted, making it clear that such sentiments do not represent him or the party's core beliefs.
He further criticized Bhati, stating that such a statement should not have been made and urged the top leadership of the Samajwadi Party to take notice of the situation.
The Scale of the MLC Elections
The biennial elections for the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council are currently in full swing, with 11 seats up for grabs. The contest is divided between six teacher constituencies and five graduate constituencies.
The logistical scale of the election is significant, featuring:
- Registered Voters: 1,481,310
- Candidates: 152 competing for the seats
- Polling Stations: 2,697 across the region
As the political temperature rises in Uttar Pradesh, all eyes are now on the counting process, which is scheduled to take place on October 27, 2026.