Aware that a poor performance in the elections to 11 Legislative Council seats in Uttar Pradesh, due to fall vacant in November 2026, could jeopardise its claim to the Leader of the Opposition (LoP)’s post, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has set the ball rolling early by announcing its candidates over a year in advance.

“These elections are not contested on party symbols, but the elected candidates are ultimately included in the party’s tally. Since voter lists for graduate and teacher constituencies are freshly prepared before each election, it was necessary to name candidates early so they can help with the compilation of electoral rolls. While the outcome may be a prestige issue for the ruling BJP , it won’t significantly impact them given their strength in the Council,” a senior SP leader

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