Rajya Sabha Elections HIGHLIGHTS: Sukhu Likely To Resign As Himachal CM As MLAs Rebel

Rajya Sabha Elections Result HIGHLIGHTS: Follow this page for all the latest updates on polling in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh today for Rajya Sabha biennial polls.

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Rajya Sabha Elections Result HIGHLIGHTS: Hello and welcome to the Assembly Elections Live blog of ABP Live. Follow this space for all the latest news and developments on voting is taking place in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh today for Rajya Sabha biennial elections that have already seen 41 candidates declared victorious due to the absence of opposition, leaving 15 seats open for polling.Polling will be held from 9 am to 4 pm. The Counting of votes will commence at 5 pm and results are likely to be announced by night, news agency PTI reported.In Uttar Pradesh, where 10 seats are at stake, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated eight candidates, setting the stage for a fierce contest. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has put forth three candidates, including Jaya Bachchan. According to a PTI report, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed confidence in BJP's success, stating, "All the BJP candidates will register a win in the Rajya Sabha elections."Among the BJP's candidates are former Union minister RPN Singh, former MP Chaudhary Tejveer Singh, Amarpal Maurya, the general secretary of the party's Uttar Pradesh unit, former state minister Sangeeta Balwant, party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, former MLA Sadhna Singh, and former Agra mayor Naveen Jain. On the other side, the Samajwadi Party has fielded actor-MP Jaya Bachchan, retired IAS officer Alok Ranjan, and Dalit leader Ramji Lal Suman.In order to secure a Rajya Sabha seat from Uttar Pradesh, a candidate requires nearly 37 first preference votes, according to an official statement. Ahead of the biennial election in Karnataka to fill four vacancies in the Rajya Sabha, the Congress has moved all its MLAs to a hotel to maintain unity. Five candidates, including nominees from Congress, BJP, and JD(S), are in the fray. Amid fears of cross-voting, parties have issued whips to their MLAs. The BJP-JD(S) alliance's decision to field a second candidate has intensified the electoral scenario.In Himachal Pradesh, the BJP has accused the Congress of pressuring its MLAs by issuing a whip to vote for party candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate Harsh Mahajan raised objections, stating such actions undermine the democratic process. Despite Congress' majority, the BJP is contesting with optimism.

28/02/2024 13:14:10

Rajya Sabha Elections LIVE: Congress Observers To Chair Meeting At 3:30 PM Today In Shimla

Congress observers appointed by party president Mallikarjun Kharge — Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and senior party leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda — will chair a meeting with Himachal's party unit amid a looming crisis at 3:30 pm today in Shimla. Himachal Chief Minister Sukhivnder Singh Sukhu is likely to resign later this evening. 

We have moved the latest updates on the Himachal Pradesh crisis to a new address. Please click here for the latest updates. 

28/02/2024 12:46:20

Rajya Sabha Elections LIVE: Sukhu Likely To Resign As Himachal CM As MLAs Rebel

As Congress MLAs turn rebel, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has proposed to resign from his post. Although he has not given any resignation yet to the Governor. As per sources, Sukhu might step down by Wednesday evening and Mukesh Agnihotri is the frontrunner as the next CM.

28/02/2024 12:27:43

Rajya Sabha Polls LIVE: BJP Bought MLAs In Himachal, UP, Says Sanjay Raut On Cross-Voting

On cross-voting in Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Sena(UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, "What else can BJP do? BJP through money, power, and agencies can do this only. They can topple governments and buy MLAs. This happened in both Himachal and Uttar Pradesh..."

28/02/2024 12:23:34

Rajya Sabha Polls LIVE: Horse Trading In Himachal? Congress MLA Says He Is With BJP

One of the Congress MLAs, Ravi Thakur who cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha election on Tuesday said he was with BJP when asked by reporters as to with which party he sided with. 

28/02/2024 12:15:34

Rajya Sabha Elections LIVE: Security Tightened Outside Himachal Assembly

News agency PTI reports that security has been tightened outside the Himachal Legislative Assembly in Himachal Pradesh. Earlier 15 BJP MLAs were expelled by the Speaker for misconduct.

28/02/2024 11:52:54

RS Polls LIVE—Will Win All 80 LS Seats: BJP Exudes Confidence After Bagging All Seats In UP

After sweeping all the eight seats in Uttar Pradesh in Tuesday Rajya Sabha polls, Sudhanshu Trivedi, one of the winning candidates said, "It is a matter of immense happiness that all the eight candidates of the BJP have won. Definitely, this is an indication of the future. It will be 80 out of 80 (Lok Sabha seats) in UP, and 400-plus for NDA (National Democratic Alliance) nationally." 

28/02/2024 11:42:23

RS Polls LIVE: Himachal Speaker Expels 15 BJP MLAs For Misconduct

15 BJP MLAs, including Himachal Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, have been expelled by the Himachal Assembly Speaker for 'misconduct' in the Chamber of Speaker.  

28/02/2024 11:26:10

Rajya Sabha Elections LIVE: 'Gave Ticket To Non-Himachali': Anurag Thakur On Congress' Loss In State

On the Congress party's loss in Himachal Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha polls, Union minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur said: "Congress formed govt in Himachal Pradesh by giving big and fake promises. After the formation of the govt, none of those promises were fulfilled. People used to ask questions when Congress MLAs went to their constituencies...they had no answers to give...no work was done, Congress' own MLAs were facing a lot of difficulties ...why did Congress MLAs abandon their own party within 14 months, what was the compulsion?...one of the reasons is that they gave ticket to a non-Himachali person..."

28/02/2024 09:45:48

Rajya Sabha Elections LIVE—'Desperate Measures By BJP': Priyank Kharge On Alleged Pro-Pakistan Slogans

On the alleged pro-Pakistan sloganeering in the Karnataka Vidhan Soudha on Tuesday and the complaint filed by BJP against Syed Naseer Hussain and his supporters over the same, Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge says, "It is very clear in the audio that they have said Naseer Hussain and Syed Sahab zindabad...This is nothing but a desperate measure for the BJP to get back in the game. The party has done an audio forensic check and it is found that there is nothing like that. The govt's FSL report is expected by 11 am..."

28/02/2024 09:42:00

Rajya Sabha Elections LIVE: Congress MLAs Who Went To Haryana After Voting Leave For Shimla

Himachal Pradesh MLAs who had arrived in Panchkula on Tuesday from Shimla after casting their vote in the Rajya Sabha elections have left from their hotel.

28/02/2024 07:50:16

Rajya Sabha Elections LIVE: DK Shivakumar, Bhupender Singh Hooda To Reach Himachal Today

Amid speculations of a floor test, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Bhupender Singh Hooda will reach Himachal Pradesh today.  

28/02/2024 07:54:28

Rajya Sabha Polls Live: Himachal LoP Jairam Thakur Meets Governor

After the shock defeat faced by the Congress in Himachal Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha polls, the Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur met with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla to demand floor test. 

"From the recent political point of view of the developments that have taken place in Himachal Pradesh, it can be said that The state government has lost the moral right to stay in power...," Thakur said. 

 

27/02/2024 21:32:33

In Big Win For BJP In UP, Party Bags 7 Rajya Sabha Seats, Akhilesh's SP Gets 2 Seats

Uttar Pradesh BJP leaders and workers celebrate in Lucknow as the saffron party wins 7 of the 10 Rajya Sabha seats in the state so far. Samajwadi Party (SP) has won 2 of the 10 seats in UP. The counting is underway on one seat.

 

27/02/2024 19:27:27

Congress Naseer Hussain Calls Rajya Sabha Verdict 'Expected Victory'

After winning from Karnataka, Congress leader Dr Syed Naseer Hussain said, "This was an expected victory. We had enough votes to win all three seats. We got more votes for these three seats. This is an important victory ahead of Lok Sabha. It is a privilege for me to be in the Upper House and represent Congress party and Karnataka for the second consecutive time."

 

27/02/2024 19:19:31

'Shows Unity And Integrity Of Congress': Shivakumar On Rajya Sabha Results

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said, "This shows the unity and integrity of Congress. I thank all the MLAs, party workers and the media. I'm very happy to inform you that all Congress candidates have won. I thank all voters, CM and party workers and the AICC President also. I would like to thank Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge."

27/02/2024 19:18:41

Rajya Sabha Polls Live: Congress Wins Three Seats, BJP One In Karnataka

The ruling Congress in Karnataka won three seats and the BJP one in the Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka on Tuesday. Those who were elected to the Upper House are Ajay Maken, G C Chandrasekhar and Syed Naseer Hussain, all belonging to the Congress and Narayansa K Bhandage of the BJP. Five candidates were in the fray for the four seats in the elections, including JD(S) contestant D Kupendra Reddy. The elections were marred by cross-voting. 

27/02/2024 18:13:40

Rajya Sabha Polls Live: Couting delay in Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, the Rajya Sabha election process has encountered a delay as counting is yet to commence owing to a lack of approval from the Election Commission.

According to sources, the BJP has demanded the cancellation of the vote of the SBSP MLA.

During the counting process, the counting was halted as agents of the Samajwadi Party raised objections regarding the invalidation of Sharjeel Islam's vote. However, upon examination, the vote was found to be valid.

27/02/2024 18:05:08

Polling Concludes In Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Amid Cross-Voting Concerns

Voting concluded on Tuesday for the Rajya Sabha election in three states Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka amid concerns about cross-voting. Voting for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh concluded on Tuesday evening amidst apprehensions within the Samajwadi Party (SP) regarding cross-voting and the unexpected resignation of the party's chief whip during the polling process.

27/02/2024 14:48:20

Major Blow For BJP As Karnataka MLA Cross-Votes For Congress In Rajya Sabha Polls

Karnataka MLA ST Somashekar crossed-voted for the Congress in the Rajya Sabha elections, according to BJP chief whip Doddanagouda G. Patil on Tuesday. Today, voters chose four seats from the state for the Upper House of Parliament. BJP chief whip Doddanagouda G. Patil stated that the party will take action against the MLA. READ MORE

27/02/2024 14:23:12

'Congress Has Lost Its Mind': BJP's RS Candidate In HP Harsh Mahajan

Harsh Mahajan, BJP’s Rajya Sabha candidate from Himachal Pradesh said, "BJP made me their candidate, it is my luck. I want to thank PM Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda. As per the statement of Congress right now, it seems they have lost their mind, This is happening because their government has failed so their MLAs and people are upset with them.”

 

27/02/2024 14:22:02

Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Polling Ends In Himachal, CM Sukhu Confident Of Congress Victory

 Polling for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Himachal Pradesh, which began at 9 am on Tuesday, ended with Congress MLA from Chintpurni Sudershan Babloo casting the last vote.

The polling was brisk and all 68 members have voted. Independent MLA from Hamipur Ashish was the first to cast his vote.

Congress MLA Babloo was brought to the Assembly in a helicopter as he was unwell.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu after casting his vote said the MLAs have voted as per the ideology of the party.

(PTI)

27/02/2024 13:25:38

Rajya Sabha Polls Live — Sometimes Such Things Happen: BJP MLA On Cross-Voting

"Sometimes such things happen. The party had given clear direction to vote for BJP-JD(S) candidates," says BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) on  rumours of cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections by ST Somashekar. 

27/02/2024 13:00:21

Rajya Sabha Polls Live: Cross-Voting Will Have No Effect On Party, Says Akhilesh Yadav

Speaking on the cross-voting in Rajya Sabha, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says it will not affect the party. 

"This will have no effect, and the Samajwadi Party will only emerge stronger from here," said the SP chief. 

27/02/2024 12:40:26

9-10 Congress MLAs Voted For BJP In HP RS Polls

Sources stated that 9 to 10 Congress MLAs cross voted For BJP In Himachal Pradesh. 

27/02/2024 12:31:43

'We Will Take Action...': Akhilesh Yadav On SP MLAs Cross-Voting For BJP In RS Polls

After reports of SP leaders cross voting for Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP)'s candidates in Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha polls, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday stated that those who left the party don't have the guts to stand against BJP government, news agency ANI reported. He further stated that party will take action against the leaders who were involved in crossvoting in the Rajya Sabha elections. READ MORE

27/02/2024 11:59:55

'There Will Be No Cross-Voting': Karnataka Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad

On Rajya Sabha elections, Karnataka Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad said, "There will be no cross-voting. Congress candidates will get more votes than required. If people from some other party want to vote for us, then we won't say no to it."

27/02/2024 11:46:18

SP MLA Hakim Chandra Bind Votes In Favour Of BJP Candidate

In another blow to SP, party leader and Handia MLA Hakim Chandra Bind supported BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections. 

(With Inputs From Veeresh Pandey)

27/02/2024 11:42:03

BJP, JD(S) Leaders Show Victory Sign After Casting Their Votes In Favor Of Narayana Bandage

27/02/2024 11:40:04

'Do They Have Votes?': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Mock BJP

On Rajya Sabha elections, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said "They (BJP) have also fielded candidate to win the elections, but for the 5th candidate they required 45 votes, do they have 45 votes? How will they win without numbers? Though they know that they don't have numbers they fielded Kupendra Reddy and they tried to poach our MLAs, that's why an FIR has been lodged against him. I'm sure all our 3 candidates are going to win."

 

27/02/2024 11:39:12

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Casts Vote In Rajya Sabha Polls

27/02/2024 10:55:00

64 Out Of 68 MLAs Cast Their Vote In RS Polls In Himachal

27/02/2024 10:50:53

Congress Confident Of Winning 3 Seats In Karnataka

On Rajya Sabha elections, Congress leader & Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy in Bengaluru says, "All our three candidates will by clear majority. There will be no cross-voting. 3 Congress and 1 BJP candidate will be there. We have a clear majority. I don't know what Janardhana Reddy will do, he might support Congress."

27/02/2024 10:49:40

Congress MLAs Arrive At Karnataka Assembly To Cast Vote In RS Polls

Congress MLAs arrive at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru to cast their vote in Rajya Sabha elections. 

27/02/2024 10:45:32

'Who Misuse Power, Can't Support Democracy': SP Leader Rajendra Chaudhary

Ahead of the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, Rajendra Chaudhary, Samajwadi Party leader says, "Elections should be unbiased then only democracy will strengthen. Those who misuse power, can't be a supporter of democracy..."

27/02/2024 10:19:45

Samajwadi Party MLA Manoj Pandey Resigns From Chief Whip Post

Amidst the ongoing voting for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in UP, Manoj Pandey, a leader close to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, has resigned the party. Manoj Pandey has resigned from the position of chief whip. It is believed that Manoj can now vote for Bharatiya Janata Party. READ MORE

27/02/2024 09:34:06

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Leaves From Polling Station In Lucknow

27/02/2024 09:06:02

Rajya Sabha Polls Voting Begins

Voting for the Rajya Sabha polls begins, will conclude at 4pm. 

27/02/2024 09:00:00

Ahead Of RS Polls, BJP Confident Of Winning 8 Seats In UP

On the Rajya Sabha biennial elections, Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Ajay Singh says "We are going to win all 8 seats..."

27/02/2024 08:58:51

'We Hope All 3 Candidates Of SP Will Win': Akhilesh Yadav Ahead Of RS Polls

Ahead of the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says "We hope all three candidates of Samajwadi Party will win...BJP can use all the tactics to win elections. BJP will do everything possible for victory. Some of our leaders who want personal gains can go to the BJP..."

27/02/2024 08:42:06

Out of 56 Candidates 41 Elected Unopposed

Out of 56 candidates, 41 had already been elected because they were unopposed. The leaders chosen include Ashok Chavan, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Sonia Gandhi, JP Nadda, and L Murugan, among others.

27/02/2024 08:41:09

'Even Without Numbers, They Are Fielding Candidates': Congress Alleges BJP Will Horse Trade

On BJP’s Rajya Sabha candidate complaining to EC regarding the whip issued by Congress, Himachal Pradesh Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan said, “We have nothing to do with what Jairam Thakur says. This is BJP’s frustration because the number of MLAs is not in favour of the BJP. 40 MLAs are with Congress and 3 are independent. BJP only has 25 MLAs. Even without numbers, BJP is fielding their candidate, which means they’re planning horse trading.”

 

 

27/02/2024 07:22:42

How Are Rajya Sabha Members Elected?

 The Rajya Sabha members are elected by the elected representatives of the state and UT legislative assemblies, following the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote.

27/02/2024 07:18:09

8 SP MLAs Skip Meeting Called By Akhilesh Yadav Ahead Of RS Polls

As many as eight MLAs of the Samajwadi Party did not attend a meeting called by party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday, a day before the voting for the Rajya Sabha elections.

A senior SP leader requesting anonymity said that the party chief had called a meeting to brief the MLAs about the voting process of the Rajya Sabha elections. However, chief whip of the party in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Manoj Pandey and seven other MLAs -- Mukesh Verma, Maharaji Prajapati, Pooja Pal, Rakesh Pandey, Vinod Chaturvedi, Rakesh Pratap Singh and Abhay Singh did not attend the meeting.

(PTI)

27/02/2024 07:15:03

Rajya Sabha Polls Live: High-Pitched Electoral Battle In UP, Cross-Voting Fears In Karnataka And HP

A high-pitched electoral battle for Rajya Sabha awaits in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded eight candidates while Samajwadi Party has nominated three candidates for the 10 seats.