Varun Gandhi, Smriti Irani Among Names Discussed for Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha Polls
Political circles are abuzz with speculation that prominent leaders Varun Gandhi and Smriti Irani may return to Parliament via the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh next month. With upcoming biennial polls for 10 upper house seats scheduled for October 16, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively evaluating its candidate list ahead of formal announcements.
The BJP is considering several names, including former Union minister Smriti Irani and former Pilibhit MP Varun Gandhi, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, according to sources cited by NDTV. BJP national general secretary Harish Dwivedi is also among the names being considered.
10 Rajya Sabha Seats Up for Election
Elections for 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh are scheduled for October 16. The nomination process is set to begin on Tuesday, while the BJP is expected to finalise its candidates in the coming days. ‘Break the Cage’ Row: Smriti Irani Challenges Rahul Gandhi to Back 33% Women’s Reservation.
The vacancies include nine seats whose terms are ending and one seat that fell vacant after BJP leader Dinesh Sharma resigned following his appointment as Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
BJP Discusses Multiple Names
According to NDTV, the BJP is expected to secure at least seven seats based on its strength in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The party is also considering an attempt to secure an eighth seat, which could make the contest for the remaining seats more competitive.
Besides Irani, Dwivedi and Gandhi, other names being discussed include former Union minister Sanjeev Baliyan, former MP Satyapal Singh, Suresh Rana, Amit Malviya and Rajbir Singh. The party is also considering representation from different social groups, including Jats, Rajputs, OBCs and minorities. BJP Organisational Reshuffle 2026: Smriti Irani, Vasundhara Raje Get Key National Positions; Check Full List.
The BJP's potential nominees were discussed at a core committee meeting in Lucknow on Monday. The final list is expected to be decided by the party's Central Election Committee in the next few days.
Varun Gandhi's Name Resurfaces
Varun Gandhi's name has gained attention after he was not given a BJP ticket from Pilibhit in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He had represented the constituency in Parliament in 2009 and 2019.
The New Indian Express reported that his possible return to Parliament comes after a period in which he maintained a relatively low public profile. His meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year had also triggered speculation about his political future, although no formal decision has been announced.
SP Also Preparing for the Contest
The Samajwadi Party is expected to field two candidates based on its current numbers, while sources cited by NDTV said the party may consider a third candidate. Senior SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav is among the names being discussed.
The Rajya Sabha election uses a preferential voting system among MLAs. With the BJP and its allies holding a substantial number of seats in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the party has enough support to secure multiple seats, while the final contest for additional seats could depend on surplus votes and the voting choices of other legislators. The BJP has not yet officially announced its candidates, and the names of Varun Gandhi and Smriti Irani remain part of the ongoing discussions.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2026 11:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).