Facing the crunch time once again after a betrayal in Rajya Sabha polls, Samajwadi Party announces candidacy for three and refrains from risking cross-voting with any additional candidates for the MLC elections taking place on March 21 ahead of Lok Sabha elections in the state. Intense preparations are underway by both SP and BJP.
Securing a majority for an MLC seat requires the support of 29 legislators. Adding an extra candidate could burden SP, needing additional six legislators' support. Together, Congress and SP boast 110 votes—a comfortable majority for three candidates. Taking risks with an additional candidate could spell trouble.
Also Read: Amidst looming cross-voting fears, can BJP challenge SP in these MLC elections like in Rajya Sabha?
BJP Fields 10 Candidates
In a recent setback during the Rajya Sabha elections, SP suffered heavily from cross-voting despite having a sufficient number of legislators. Upcoming MLC elections see BJP launching 10 strong candidates, backed by adequate numbers for victory.
BSP Not Fielding MLC Candidates
So far, Bahujan Samaj Party hasn't introduced any MLC candidates. Should SP proceed, it would need support from an additional 6 legislators. With allies included, NDA has 286 legislators, just shy of 290 needed for the 10 BJP candidates' victory. Currently, BJP chooses not to field extra contenders.
Also Read: Mahagathbandhan releases a list of five candidates for Bihar Legislative Council elections
Akhilesh Yadav Focused on Expanding SP Clout
With the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, Akhilesh Yadav is actively working to expand the Samajwadi fraternity. Guddu Jamali, a prominent ex-BSP leader, has joined SP, whose candidacy previously led to SP's defeat in Azamgarh.
Thirteen MLC terms in Uttar Pradesh are concluding, involving ten BJP, and one each from SP, BSP, and Anupriya Patel’s Apna Dal. With the election results, BSP could be left empty-handed, provided SP and BJP's nominees all succeed.
