SP MLA Manoj Kumar Pandey resigns from Chief Whip post amid voting for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in UP

Amidst the ongoing voting for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, Manoj Pandey on Tuesday resigned from the post of party's chief whip. 

Manoj Kumar Pandey submitted his resignation letter to the party chief Akhilesh Yadav. This comes after SP MLA and 7 other MLAs were missing from the dinner hosted by SP Chief on Monday sparking the rumours of cross-voting. 

Likely to contest Lok Sabha Elections from BJP

According to sources, Pandey may contest upcoming Lok Sabha Elections from BJP. Manoj Kumar Pandey is also expected to meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath later and key BJP leaders after casting his vote. 

Major Setback for Samajwadi Party

The decision followed a development where 8 MLAs, crucial to the party, opted to skip a dinner hosted by party chief Akhilesh Yadav, a worrisome sign for the party amidst the speculation of cross-cutting in the upcoming Upper House election. 

Rajya Sabha elections

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP has put up eight Rajya Sabha candidates and the Samajwadi Party 3 for the 10 states at stake. As per the number in the Legislative Assembly, the BJP is guaranteed to win 7 seats while the SP should win 3 seats. However, there are reports that several MLAs could cross-vote. However, in order to get elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh, a candidate needs nearly 37 first- preference votes.