Lucknow: In a dramatic turn of events during the Rajya Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav revealed that the party’s decision to field a third candidate was a “loyalty test” to identify rebels within the party. As seven SP MLAs reportedly cross-voted for the BJP, Yadav expressed that the third seat bid was aimed at distinguishing true allies from those opposed to the interests of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities.
“Our third seat (bid) in the Rajya Sabha was actually a test to identify the true companions and to know who was with the PDA at heart and who was against the backward classes, Dalits and minorities by conscience,” Yadav stated in a Hindi message.
He further asserted, “Now everything is clear, the third seat is our victory.”
The SP MLAs who allegedly cross-voted for the BJP include Rakesh Pandey, Rakesh Pratap Singh, Abhay Singh, Vinod Chaturvedi, Manoj Pandey, Ashutosh Maurya, and Pooja Pal. One legislator, Maharaji Prajapati, was reportedly absent during the voting.
Earlier in the day, SP MLA Manoj Pandey resigned as the party’s chief whip, announcing his intention to vote for the BJP. This move came after he and seven other MLAs did not attend a meeting called by Akhilesh Yadav.
Voting for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh commenced with prominent leaders like Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, and Akhilesh Yadav casting their votes. A keen contest is expected as the BJP fields its eighth candidate, challenging the SP’s three candidates.
The results of the high-stakes elections are anticipated to be announced on the same night after the conclusion of counting at 5 pm.
