Lucknow, Oct. 6 -- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday officially announced Vidyasagar Sonkar and Prakash Pal among its eight candidates from Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming biennial Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 16.

After the announcement, both Sonkar and Pal expressed gratitude to the party's central and state leadership for placing their trust in them and said they would strive to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them.

Sonkar said he had spoken with party leaders on Monday and thanked the central leadership for the opportunity.

"I spoke with everyone yesterday. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to the entire central leadership. I am grateful to the leadership for placing their trust in me. ...