UP Rajya Sabha Polls: Concern Over Possible Cross-Voting

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP has fielded eight candidates and the Opposition Samajwadi Party three for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats, setting the stage for strong contest over one seat. The focus will be on how many first preference votes the candidate gets - the magic figure is 37. The BJP is said to be banking on surplus votes from Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal, which has joined the NDA in all but name. Leaders of the BJP have also claimed that at least 10 MLAs of Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party are in touch with them. The SP - which is in alliance with the Congress -- has staunchly denied it.