Rajya Sabha polls for 12 seats: BJP likely to retain 8 in UP, SP eyes gain

NEW DELHI: The BJP is set to have the numbers on its side in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, with the party-led alliance expected to win eight of the 10 seats going to polls in the state. The Samajwadi Party could take the remaining two seats, based on the current strength of parties in the assembly.The Election Commission on Tuesday announced polls for 12 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Voting, if required, will be held on October 16, with the results also to be declared the same day.The BJP is also expected to add one seat to its Rajya Sabha tally by winning the lone seat from West Bengal. The seat became vacant after actor Rukmini Mallick, popularly known as Koel, resigned from the House.