Not sure of its MLAs, Cong likely to skip MLC polls

With BSP and SP having already fielded 11 candidates for 12 MLC seats and BJP can elect one candidate on its own, eyes are set on Congress because the announcement of the 13th candidate will mean that there will be voting.

Congress has 28 MLAs and will need the support of at least five more MLAs to elect its candidate. Congress’ alliance partner RLD has eight MLAs, but recently Congress avoided taking its support during the Rajya Sabha elections.

“It is a very difficult situation for us. Rahulji is out of Delhi and we are waiting for his arrival before any final decision is taken. We have come to know that BJP is planning to field two candidates and is likely to lure MLAs in the name of giving them tickets for the upcoming elections. In this situation, it will be difficult for SP also to hold its own candidates,” said a senior leader.

Asked about fielding a joint candidate with Congress, RLD state president Munna Singh Chauhan said: “Congress, in the recent past, has opted to rather take SP’s support to send its members to the Rajya Sabha. However, as far as we are concerned, no party has contacted us so far for supporting their candidates.”

AICC General Secretary Madhusudan Mistry will arrive in Lucknow on Thursday and is likely to take the opinion of senior leaders on the issue. Mistry will hold two meetings — with 30 selected senior leaders and with district and city presidents.