Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh have got a new twist. There are 11 vacancies in UP. All the 11 candidates, including one from the BJP have filed there nominations. It was felt that all the 11 candidates will be elected unopposed. Then an unexpected candidate has filed her nomination.

Preeti Mahapatra, an entrepreneur and social activist in Gujarat has entered the scene.She has support from the MLAs belonging to BJP and other parties.All together 11 MLAs have supported her candidature. She could affect the winning chances of Congress candidate and former union minister Kapil Sibal.The BJP can win one RS MP from UP. But there are six more MPs for the party and they will vote for Preeti, the party leaders said.Congress nominee Kapil Sibal still requires 5 more votes, if all the 29 party MLAs vote for him . But there could be cross voting from Congress side, this is the worry of the party leaders. Several Congress MLAs are reporedly in touch with the BJP leaders, according to the media reports.

One BSP MLA, another rebel SP member, an independent member and two others of local parties are supporting this 37 year old social activist.Preeti’s sudden entry has forced to conduct polling.Now she is confidant of winning the support of some more MLAs.

Interestingly, a BSP and a rebel SP MLA have extended there support. Is this an indication of getting more support from the MLAs of these parties who are fed up with the leadership? This is the question doing rounds in the political circles.Was it Preeti’s own decision or due to an advise of BJP leaders, it is not known yet.But this move has made the elections much interesting than expected in UP, which is going for Assembly elections next year.