India, Oct. 6 -- The Samajwadi Party has decided against fielding a third candidate in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, clearing the way for the BJP to win eight of the 10 seats without a contest.

The decision was taken on Tuesday morning, a day before the deadline for filing nominations, people familiar with the matter said. The SP had been considering fielding a third candidate after the BJP announced eight nominees on Monday.

The move means the 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh are likely to be filled unopposed, with the BJP getting eight seats and the SP retaining the remaining two.

The SP had already nominated party veteran Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani. Both candidates are expected to win ...