Cross-voting surprises in Rajya Sabha elections across three states | In Points

Rajya Sabha elections 2024: In a surprising turn of events, cross-voting has been reported in the Rajya Sabha elections across three states – Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems to be benefiting from unexpected support, potentially altering the political landscape in these regions.

Himachal Pradesh: BJP Gaining Ground

Despite Congress' stronghold in Himachal Pradesh, where they won 40 out of 68 seats in the 2022 elections, the BJP is making unexpected strides. Congress candidate Abhishek Singhvi is facing a tough challenge with the BJP leveraging cross-voting by six Congress leaders and all three independents. Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu's prestige is at stake, as the BJP aims to secure a Rajya Sabha seat that was deemed out of reach.

Uttar Pradesh: SP Faces Rebellion

In Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party (SP) is grappling with internal dissent as seven of its MLAs cross-voted in favour of the BJP. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, referring to the decision to field a third candidate, called it a "test" to identify true companions, taking a swipe at rebel lawmakers. The rebellion comes at a crucial time for the SP, which recently formed an alliance with the Congress-led INDIA bloc for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

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Uttar Pradesh Dynamics

With 10 Rajya Sabha seats at play in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP, holding 252 seats and 18 from allies, has fielded eight candidates. The SP, with 108 MLAs, has three candidates in the fray. The BJP, short of votes for all eight seats, is banking on support from the Rashtriya Lok Dal led by Jayant Chaudhary. The internal rift within the SP, with chief whip and others seen supporting BJP members, adds complexity to the political landscape.

Karnataka: BJP Challenges Congress

In Karnataka, the BJP and its regional ally, the Janata Dal (Secular), are challenging the ruling Congress for four vacant Rajya Sabha seats. The Congress, with 134 MLAs and claiming the support of two independent lawmakers, is facing stiff competition as the BJP introduces a fifth candidate. The narrow margin and preferential voting system could play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Unopposed Elections

While the drama unfolds in these contested states, 41 Rajya Sabha seats have been filled unopposed. Notable personalities securing their positions include former Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, BJP leader JP Nadda, and Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and L Murugan. Additionally, former Congressman Ashok Chavan, now with the BJP, is among the newly elected MPs.