BJP names 8 candidates for RS polls in UP; Union minister Hardeep Puri not in list

The BJP on Monday announced eight candidates for October 16 Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, dropping all sitting MPs, including Union ministers Hardeep Puri and BL Verma. The nominees include former MP Priyanka Singh Rawat and Shruti Gangwar, daughter of eight-time MP Santosh Gangwar. The list also includes OBC leader Dharampal Singh, a minister in CM Yogi Adityanath's cabinet.