Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: In a significant development shaking the Samajwadi Party (SP) just before the voting for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, its chief whip in the Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandey, tendered his resignation early this morning. Pandey, an MLA from Unchahar, stepped down shortly after eight MLAs skipped a dinner hosted by party leader Akhilesh Yadav, raising concerns amid speculations of cross-voting in the Upper House elections.Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Impact on SPs electoral prospectsThe resignation of Pandey and the specter of cross-voting spell trouble for the SP, especially in the lead-up to crucial elections. The SP is slated to contest 63 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh as part of the INDIA alliance, and any internal turmoil ahead of the general elections would deal a severe blow to the partys electoral prospects.Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Accusations and allegationsPreviously, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had accused the BJP of exerting pressure on the partys MLAs, alleging coercion and intimidation tactics. Yadav remarked, This is their modus operandi. They instill fear, issue threats, utilize agencies, or resurrect old cases to apply pressure. However, these tactics will not sway the outcome of this election.However, Yadavs confidence seemed to wane this morning as he remarked, We remain hopeful that all three Samajwadi Party candidates emerge victorious. The BJP may resort to all measures to secure victory. Some of our leaders who prioritize personal gains may defect to the BJP.Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Number dynamicsA total of 56 Rajya Sabha seats were vacated this year, with 41 candidates being elected unopposed. Among the remaining vacancies, 10 seats are from Uttar Pradesh, four from Karnataka, and one from Himachal Pradesh.In the fray for the 10 Uttar Pradesh seats are 11 candidates, eight from the ruling BJP and three from the main opposition, Samajwadi Party.Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Confidence, contentionThe BJP expresses confidence in securing victories for all its candidates, particularly after garnering support from the Jayant Chaudhary-led Rashtriya Lok Dal. State BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary stated, We have secured the support of several parties within the NDA, ensuring victory for all eight candidates.Earlier speculations indicated that certain SP legislators were in contact with the BJP, a claim the Akhilesh Yadav-led party vehemently denied. However, the absence of eight MLAs at the recent dinner hosted by Yadav has raised concerns within the main opposition camp.Amidst speculations, SP legislator Zahid Baig voiced concerns, stating, Several individuals did not attend. Perhaps they were occupied. However, if they have accepted bribes for cross-voting, the public will not forgive them.In Karnataka, where five candidates vie for four Rajya Sabha seats, the ruling Congress anticipates winning three seats, while the BJP-JDS combine eyes at least one victory. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, only one seat is contested, with the BJP challenging the Congress despite the latters comfortable majority in the Assembly.
