NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Despite not having the required numbers, the Congress is exploring the possibility of capitalising on the political flux in Uttar Pradesh by fielding its candidate for a Rajya Sabha by-election.
The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of T N Chaturvedi to take up a gubernatorial post.
The governor may have saved Chief Minister Mayawati from the onerous task of proving her majority, but doubts about the stability of the Bahujan Samaj Party-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government persist.
The thinking in the Congress is that despite the reprieve, the ruling coalition may not be keen to field a candidate for the RS by-election as it may allow BJP dissidents and others to embarrass Mayawati.
Defeat of the BSP-BJP candidate would only lend credibility to Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav's claim that the BSP-BJP coalition government is in a minority.
Incidentally, a Rajya Sabha by-election involves a direct contest as opposed to a regular election when each legislator (voter) can also indicate his second and third preference.
Under the circumstances, the Congress believes that its candidate can try to get the support of the BSP-BJP MLAs.
The by-election will be held on November 18 with November 8 being the last date for filing nominations.
THE CRISIS IN UP Mayawati may reshuffle cabinet to 'accommodate' rebels Dissidence internal affair of BJP: Mayawati Governor rejects opposition demand for special session SP stakes claim to form government SP's request for help in UP will be discussed: Congress Suspended BJP MLA sets conditions for talks Sonia gives 'patient hearing' to Mulayam and co Eight independents withdraw support to Mayawati govt Sonia-Mulayam meeting on Sunday evening SP, Congress MLAs willing to support us: BJP Amar Singh holds talks with Congress leaders No need to convene assembly: UP Governor Fifteen BSP legislators willing to revolt: Mulayam Rebel BJP legislators not interested in meeting PM The Election in UP: The Complete Coverage
More reports from Uttar Pradesh
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
