In a tactical move, the Samajwadi Party on Wednesday renominated Jaya Bachchan to the Rajya Sabha. This was a big surpirse as there was widespread speculation that Ms Bachchan would be dropped due to her connection with expelled leader Amar Singh. Her renomination also stunned Mr Singh, who appears to be getting
isolated from “old and trusted friends”, particularly the Bachchans. While Ms Bachchan was said to be “out of the country”, Mr Singh accused SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav of “driving a wedge between him and the Bachchans”. He also “congratulated” Jaya Bhabi (Ms Bachchan) “for opting for the party in place of her devar (brother-in-law, meaning Mr Singh himself).”
The announcement on Ms Bachchan’s renomination was made in Lucknow by UP party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who is the SP chief’s son. Ms Jaya Bach-chan’s term was scheduled to end on July 4. This will, technically, be Ms Bach-chan’s third term in the Upper House.