The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday announced two candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh—Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani and senior party leader Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav. Both candidates filed their nominations in the presence of SP president Akhilesh Yadav.

Nathwani’s candidature has attracted attention because he comes from a corporate and sports-administration background rather than traditional electoral politics. If elected, he could become a Rajya Sabha member alongside his father, Parimal Nathwani, who is also a sitting member of the Upper House.

Who Is Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani?

Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani is a Gujarat-based corporate professional with experience in business, social initiatives and sports administration. According to his official profile, he serves as a director at Reliance New Energy Limited and has held senior positions associated with Reliance Industries.

Beyond corporate affairs, Nathwani has interests in social work, sports, wildlife, nature and photography. He studied International Business at Regent Business School in London and also holds an MBA in Corporate Law and Public Relations Management from the National Institute of Management.

Long Association With Reliance and Gujarat Sports

Nathwani has also been active in Gujarat’s sports administration. In September 2026, he was appointed president of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), having earlier served as its vice-president.

His association with Gujarat cricket goes back several years. He was elected GCA president in 2022 and was involved in the development of the Narendra Modi Stadium. He has also held a leadership role in the Gujarat State Football Association (GSFA), where he was elected president in 2017.

Father Parimal Nathwani Is Also a Rajya Sabha MP

Dhanraj Nathwani’s father, Parimal Nathwani, is a prominent corporate executive and Rajya Sabha member. He first entered the Upper House in 2008.

In June 2026, Parimal Nathwani won a Rajya Sabha election from Jharkhand as an independent candidate with BJP support. He secured 28 votes and was elected.

If Dhanraj Nathwani also enters the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh, the father and son could serve simultaneously in the Upper House while representing different states.

Why Did the SP Choose Nathwani?

Nathwani’s nomination stands out because he does not have a conventional political career. His professional experience spans corporate affairs, sports and social activities.

Political parties have previously nominated professionals and public figures to the Rajya Sabha, where their sector-specific experience can contribute a different perspective to parliamentary work. However, the SP has not officially stated the specific reasons behind Nathwani’s selection. Therefore, it would be premature to attribute a particular political strategy to his candidature without an official explanation.

Uttar Pradesh to Elect 10 Rajya Sabha Members

Elections are scheduled for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. According to the Election Commission’s announced schedule, the nomination process began on September 29. The last date for filing nominations is October 6, followed by scrutiny on October 7 and the final date for withdrawal on October 9.

If required, voting will take place on October 16, with counting scheduled for the same day.

With the SP naming Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani, attention now turns to the upcoming electoral process and Nathwani’s potential transition from the corporate and sports sectors to parliamentary politics.

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