Samajwadi Party Nominates Reliance Executive Dhanraj Nathwani for Rajya Sabha
The Samajwadi Party (SP) has officially nominated party secretary general Ram Gopal Yadav and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) executive Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. Both candidates filed their nomination papers in Lucknow on September 30, 2026, in the presence of SP president Akhilesh Yadav, Shivpal Yadav, and party legislators.
During the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won eight seats while the SP secured two, alongside the defeat of the SP's third candidate, Alok Ranjan. Following his nomination filing, Dhanraj Nathwani expressed appreciation to SP president Akhilesh Yadav for placing trust and confidence in him.
Strategic Nominations and Legislative Math
The current composition of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly positions the BJP-led alliance to secure eight of the ten vacant Rajya Sabha seats. The Samajwadi Party, bolstered by support from the Congress, is mathematically positioned to win two seats. Despite this, party spokesperson Rajendra Chowdhury stated that the SP intends to field a third candidate, asserting that the party expects support from dissatisfied BJP legislators.
This election cycle follows the expiration of terms for nine members, including Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and BL Verma. A tenth seat became vacant following the resignation of former Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, who was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for October 16, with the deadline for nominations set for October 6.
The Election Commission established October 7 for scrutiny and October 9 as the final date for withdrawals, preceding the scheduled polling. Previously, Dhanraj succeeded Shah as the Gujarat Cricket Association president in 2022.
Profile of the Corporate Candidate
Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani, a senior executive at Reliance Industries, serves as Group President at the conglomerate. His professional portfolio includes oversight of manufacturing divisions in Jamnagar and Vadodara, as well as strategic roles within Reliance New Energy Limited and Reliance Projects and Property Management Services. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Nathwani is active in sports administration, serving as the President of the Gujarat Cricket Association and the Gujarat State Football Association.
Nathwani's entry into the Rajya Sabha race marks a shift into public life. His father, Parimal Nathwani, is also a sitting Rajya Sabha member, currently serving his fourth term representing the NDA from Jharkhand. The nomination of a senior corporate leader by the Samajwadi Party has been characterized by party leadership as a surprise move, intended to broaden the party's strategic reach as it navigates the legislative arithmetic of the Upper House elections.
According to The Federal, for Nathwani Family Rajya Sabha Representation, Dhanraj Nathwani's entry will result in both father (Parimal Nathwani from Jharkhand) and son serving concurrently in the Parliament of India's Upper House across opposing political coalitions.