Rebel SP MLAs Dismiss ‘Homecoming’ Buzz; Say Will “Never Align with Ram Opponents”

Lucknow: Political speculation is once again swirling around seven rebel legislators of the Samajwadi Party (SP) who had cross-voted during the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections. Amid reports suggesting that some of them are exploring a possible return to the party, two expelled MLAs — Rakesh Pratap Singh and Abhay Singh — have categorically denied any such move.

The SP had expelled Manoj Kumar Pandey, Abhay Singh, and Rakesh Pratap Singh in 2025 for voting in favor of the BJP during the Rajya Sabha polls. Four others — Rakesh Pandey, Vinod Chaturvedi, Pooja Pal, and Ashutosh Maurya — were also part of the cross-voting episode that triggered political controversy.

‘SP Should Abandon Illusions’: Rakesh Pratap Singh

Rakesh Pratap Singh, MLA from Gauriganj in Amethi, rejected reports of reconciliation and said:
“The Samajwadi Party should abandon the illusion of bringing me back. I will never align with those who oppose Lord Ram.”

His remarks come amid discussions in political circles that some rebel MLAs are feeling sidelined within the ruling establishment and may be reconsidering their political options.

SP’s Reported Formula for Return

Sources indicate that the SP leadership may consider re-inducting rebel MLAs only if they demonstrate loyalty by voting in favor of the party’s candidates in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The move is being seen as a test of allegiance before any potential “ghar wapsi” (return to the party) is formalized.

Abhay Singh Warns of Legal Action

Gosainganj MLA Abhay Singh also dismissed the reports and warned of legal action against those spreading what he termed “misleading news.”

“I have found Lord Shri Ram. I no longer need ‘Maya’,” he said, in an apparent political remark distancing himself from his former party.

Background: The Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting

During the Rajya Sabha elections, the rebel MLAs voted for BJP-supported candidate Sanjay Seth instead of the SP’s official nominee Alok Ranjan. At the time, Rakesh Pratap Singh had stated that he found Seth “more socialist” compared to the party’s candidate.

He had also publicly expressed displeasure over the SP nominating Jaya Bachchan and Kapil Sibal to the Rajya Sabha, questioning their contribution to the party’s grassroots base. Singh had remarked that Bachchan was a celebrity rather than a political leader and alleged that party workers were being overlooked in favor of prominent personalities.

Political Signals Ahead

With Rajya Sabha elections approaching again, the developments are being closely watched. Whether the rebel MLAs maintain their current stance or political equations shift in the coming weeks remains to be seen.

For now, both Rakesh Pratap Singh and Abhay Singh have made their position clear — distancing themselves from any possibility of returning to the Samajwadi Party.