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Samajwadi Party Expels Three MLAs Over Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting

Following the expiry of a final grace period for cross-voting MLAs, the expulsion signals a broader push to reinforce party discipline before the 2027 assembly elections.

Lucknow, Jun 22 (ANI): Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav addresses a press conference, at party office in Lucknow on Sunday. (ANI Photo) (ANI)
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Abhay Singh and Manoj Kumar Pandey were among three MLAs expelled by SP. (FILE PHOTO)

Overview

  • The SP on June 23 expelled MLAs Abhay Singh, Rakesh Pratap Singh and Manoj Kumar Pandey for voting in favor of BJP candidates during the February 2024 Rajya Sabha elections.
  • Party officials accused the trio of betraying SP’s socialist and pro-farmer ideals by promoting communal and divisive politics in support of BJP interests.
  • The expulsion followed the official end of a grace period offered for them to realign with party principles; four other MLAs who also cross-voted have been spared due to “good behavior.”
  • Manoj Kumar Pandey had joined the BJP in June 2024 in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, intensifying SP’s charges of ideological betrayal.
  • Political analysts view the move as Akhilesh Yadav’s effort to shore up SP unity and ideological coherence ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly contests.