UP Rajya Sabha Polls: Smriti Irani, Varun Gandhi Among Names Being Considered by BJP

The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh have intensified political activity, with the BJP considering several prominent names for the 10 seats going to polls on October 16, 2026. According to reports, BJP national general secretaries Smriti Irani and Harish Dwivedi are among the names under consideration. Former MPs Varun Gandhi, Sanjeev Baliyan and Satyapal Singh are also reportedly being

The BJP is expected to have the numbers to secure seven seats on its own, while the party is also considering contesting an eighth seat. The Samajwadi Party is reportedly considering three candidates, including Ram Gopal Yadav, former IAS officer Alok Ranjan and Salim Iqbal. Other names being discussed within the BJP include Union ministers B.L. Verma and Hardeep Singh Puri, along with MP Geeta Shakya and leaders such as Suresh Rana, Amit Malviya and Rajbir Singh. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for October 16, with voting from 9 am to 4 pm and counting on the same day.