Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Sep 30: The Samajwadi Party has named Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh.

Both candidates are scheduled to file their nomination papers at 11 am in the presence of SP national president Akhilesh Yadav.

The Election Commission has scheduled polling for 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh on October 16. The terms of the members holding these seats are due to expire on November 25. Eight of the 10 seats are currently held by the Bharatiya Janata Party, while the SP and Bahujan Samaj Party hold one seat each.

Ram Gopal Yadav is the outgoing SP member whose term is ending in November. The veteran leader is set to seek another term in the Upper House.

The election process began with the issuance of the notification on September 29. The last date for filing nominations is October 6, scrutiny will take place on October 7 and candidates can withdraw their nominations until October 9. Polling will be held from 9 am to 4 pm on October 16, followed by counting the same day.

The Rajya Sabha contest assumes significance ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with parties working to consolidate their numbers and secure support during the voting process.

Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani is the son of Parimal Nathwani, a Rajya Sabha member and Reliance Industries director. Dhanraj has also served in cricket administration in Gujarat.