Political maneuvering in Uttar Pradesh escalated following the Samajwadi Party's announcement of its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The party declared Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as its official contenders, who proceeded to submit their nomination papers in Lucknow on Wednesday. Party chief Akhilesh Yadav along with senior leader Shivpal Yadav was present during the formal filing process. The formal declaration of the candidates was made shortly before the submission took place.
Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani Marks Entry into Public Life
After completing the nomination formalities, Dhanraj Nathwani expressed his gratitude to the party leadership for the opportunity. He thanked Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav for placing trust in him and choosing him to represent the party from Uttar Pradesh in Parliament's Upper House. Nathwani stated that stepping into this role in the presence of Akhilesh Yadav marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in his public life as he takes on new legislative responsibilities.
Om Prakash Rajbhar Launches Sarcastic Attack Online
The nomination of both candidates prompted sharp criticism from Uttar Pradesh minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar. Taking to social media platform X, Rajbhar targeted Akhilesh Yadav with a pointed critique centered on the Samajwadi Party's widely promoted PDA formula. Mocking the candidate selection, Rajbhar remarked that Akhilesh Yadav is heading in the right direction having already named candidates representing family and wealth, leaving only a criminal candidate to finalize the lineup.
Redefining PDA in Sharp Critique of Candidate Selection
Deconstructing the acronym PDA, Om Prakash Rajbhar alleged that it stands for Parivar (family), Daulatmand (wealthy), and Apradhi (criminal). He claimed that Professor Ram Gopal Yadav fulfilled the family criteria, while Dhanraj Nathwani represented the wealthy component. According to Rajbhar, the only remaining slot was for a criminal candidate to complete the roster.
Rajbhar recalled an earlier statement shared on X where he questioned whether the three candidates reportedly being fielded by the Samajwadi Party would reflect its professed ideology. He asserted that members of the backward classes, Dalits, and Muslim communities are watching how seats in the Upper House of Parliament are being allocated. Offering a piece of political advice, Rajbhar cautioned Akhilesh Yadav against risking a second seat while chasing a third. He also remarked critically on internal party access, claiming that leaders like Shivpal Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav require prior permission even to enter the Samajwadi Party office.
