Smriti Irani to Rajya Sabha again? BJP considering all options ahead of crucial UP assembly polls

NEW DELHI: BJP leaders Smriti Irani and Harish Dwivedi may be fielded as candidates in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the names of prominent figures such as Varun Gandhi, Sanjeev Balyan, and Satyapal Singh are under the party's consideration. The election for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, where the incumbents' terms are expiring, is scheduled for October 16.

In the 396-member UP Legislative Assembly, 37 first-preference votes are required to win a Rajya Sabha seat. Consequently, the BJP, with 255 MLAs of its own, is assured of winning seven seats. The party will secure an additional 33 votes with the support of its allies. To clinch the eighth seat, the BJP needs just four more votes.

The tenures of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Geeta Shakya, and B.L. Verma are also coming to an end, raising questions regarding their replacements. The BJP will make its final decision with an eye on the upcoming assembly elections, ensuring a balance of caste equations as well as representation for youth and women. The final list will be released at the next meeting of the Central Election Committee.