The BJP emerged victorious in closely contested battles in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, while the Congress claimed victory in Karnataka during the Rajya Sabha elections held on February 27.
A total of 15 candidates were contested across the three states of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh. The BJP secured ten seats, the Congress won three, and the Samajwadi Party (SP) secured two seats.
However, the elections in all three states were marked by instances of cross-voting by MLAs.
In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP clinched eight out of ten seats, with the remaining two seats going to the Samajwadi Party. Reports indicate that at least five Samajwadi Party MLAs crossed voted in favor of the BJP, leading to the unexpected victory. BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed gratitude to the voters and congratulated all winning candidates, including those from the opposition.
In Himachal Pradesh, the BJP’s victory came as a surprise as it won the lone Rajya Sabha seat. BJP’s Harsh Mahajan emerged victorious after a tie with Congress’ Abhishek Manu Singhvi, with Mahajan ultimately winning through a draw of lots. Despite Congress’ numerical advantage, reports suggest that nine MLAs, including six from Congress and three independents, cross-voted in favor of the BJP candidate.
The Congress swept the elections in Karnataka, with all three of its candidates securing victory. Meanwhile, the BJP-JD(S) candidate lost, and cross-voting was observed during the elections. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar expressed gratitude for the unity within the Congress and thanked all stakeholders for the success in the elections.
