Uphill battle for SP's third candidate in Rajya Sabha polls, UP

• BJP's entry with an eighth nominee poses a challenge for SP's third candidate in Rajya Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh
• SP faces criticism for deviating from the PDA formula, not fielding non-Yadav OBC and Muslim candidates
• Internal challenges include dissent from MLA Pallavi Patel and uncertainty over the support of three MLAs

The Samajwadi Party (SP) faces a formidable challenge in securing the victory of its third candidate in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, following the unexpected entry of an eighth nominee from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This development has raised concerns about potential cross-voting favoring the ruling party and has added to the existing criticism directed at the SP for not adhering to its PDA (Pichada, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) formula. The SP, which has already faced backlash for not fielding any non-Yadav OBC and Muslim candidates, is now strategizing to secure the election of its three candidates, including two kayasthas and a Dalit.

The SP's internal challenges include dissent from within, with MLA Pallavi Patel expressing her intent to abstain from voting due to the party's deviation from the PDA formula. While SP leaders express confidence in securing all three candidates' victories, uncertainty looms over the support of three MLAs, including Pallavi Patel and two jailed SP MLAs, bringing the current count to 105 out of the required 111 votes. The BJP, with enough votes to ensure victory for seven candidates, aims to secure cross-votes from the SP camp for its eighth nominee, Sanjay Seth. The tension within the SP camp is compounded by fears of rivals luring party MLAs to cross-vote.