Rajya Sabha Polls 2024: Who Is Sanjay Seth, Political Game-Changer In UP, From SP Ally To BJP Strategist?

In the Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, Sanjay Seth has been fielded as the eighth candidate by the BJP, while three candidates are in the fray from the SP side. This results in a total of 11 candidates vying for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in the state. It is anticipated that 7 candidates from the BJP and 2 candidates from the SP will secure victory.

However, the focal point of contention lies between BJP's eighth candidate, Sanjay Seth, and SP's third candidate, Alok Ranjan. As a consequence, both parties have intensified their efforts, leading to heightened political tensions in the state.

Who is Sanjay Seth, the Political Game-Changer in UP?

Sanjay Seth, a respected industrialist, has been nominated as the BJP candidate. He has been affiliated with the BJP since 2019, although he was previously closely associated with SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and was regarded as one of Akhilesh Yadav's key allies.

Previously, Sanjay Seth represented SP in Parliament and served as the party's treasurer. He was appointed to the Rajya Sabha by SP in 2016, but he resigned from the position upon joining the BJP in 2019. Following his resignation, BJP facilitated his return to the Rajya Sabha to fill the vacant seat, as reported by Aaj Tak.

Having served in the Rajya Sabha from 2016 to 2022, Sanjay Seth was not nominated by the BJP for reelection in 2022. However, he has been selected as the BJP's candidate for the 2024 elections, with assurances from Seth to mobilize votes for his victory.

The BJP's decision to field Seth poses a challenge, particularly with the presence of Alok Ranjan from the SP. Observers speculate that Sanjay Seth stands a good chance of winning the election, while Alok Ranjan may face defeat.

In the initial phase of the Rajya Sabha elections, BJP nominated seven candidates, including Sudhanshu Trivedi, RPN Singh, Sadhna Singh, Amarpal Maurya, Sangeeta Balwant, Naveen Jain, and Tejveer Singh. Sanjay Seth was subsequently named as the eighth candidate, as reported by Aaj Tak.

Meanwhile, Ramji Lal Suman, Jaya Bachchan, and former Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan were presented as candidates by the SP, with Alok Ranjan being the third candidate. Thus, the contest for the Rajya Sabha elections primarily revolves around the competition between Sanjay Seth and Alok Ranjan.