With the Samajwadi Party deciding not to field its candidate, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party candidate is set to be elected unopposed in the bypoll to the lone legislative council seat.
The vacancy in the Upper House of the state legislature was caused by the resignation of SP MLC Swami Prasad Maurya. The term of this seat ends on July 6, 2028.
The SP has decided to not to force a contest by fielding its candidate as it lacks the required number in state assembly for winning the seat.
Members to the legislative council are elected from multiple constituencies –local bodies, graduate, teachers and state assembly while six members are nominated by the governor on the recommendation of the chief minister. The strength of the Upper House is 100.
As per the poll schedule announced by the Election Commission of India, the last date for filing nomination papers is July 2, scrutiny of papers will be held on July 3 and July 5 is the last date for withdrawal of the papers. If necessary, polling will be held on July 12.
As per the established tradition, the by-election to the Upper House is always won by the ruling party on account of their strength in the state assembly.
Swami Prasad Maurya, former SP MLC and general secretary, had resigned from the membership of the legislative council and party following his differences with SP president Akhilesh Yadav. Maurya had also accused Akhilesh Yadav of discriminating against him and disowning his statements.
