Lucknow, Oct. 6 -- Shorn of high-profile names, the BJP's choice of eight candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh signals its grassroots push ahead of the state assembly polls with a focus on the 2027 arithmetic while also seeking to strike a caste and regional balance as the party looks for a third straight term in the country's most populous state.

The party aims to strengthen booth-level morale and consolidate the OBC-SC plus upper caste-women combination that worked for it in 2017 and 2022 assembly polls.

By rewarding loyal and long-time workers, the BJP has tried to send a message to party workers that dedication at ground level will be recognised.

"Party dropped all stalwarts from the list and instead opted for long...