BJP Announces New Rajya Sabha Candidates from UP, Omits Hardeep Singh Puri, B.L. Verma

✍️ economictimes.com 🗓 06 Oct 2026, 03:31 AM 👁 9

The BJP has named eight new Rajya Sabha candidates from Uttar Pradesh, leaving senior leaders Hardeep Singh Puri and B.L. Verma off the list, Economic Times reports.

The Bharatiya Janata Party released its slate of eight fresh candidates for the Rajya Sabha seats allocated to Uttar Pradesh, according to a report by the Economic Times. The list, unveiled ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, does not include two prominent party figures, Hardeep Singh Puri, who currently serves as a Union minister, and B.L. Verma, a senior leader from the state.

Party officials said the selection reflects a strategic mix of experienced legislators and new faces intended to strengthen the BJP's representation from the state. While the names of the eight nominees have not been detailed in the brief, sources indicate they comprise a blend of sitting members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and other party stalwarts.

The omission of Puri and Verma has sparked discussion within political circles, with analysts suggesting it may be part of a broader effort to refresh the party's parliamentary roster ahead of the 2024 elections. The BJP has not issued a formal comment on the rationale behind the exclusions.