Amid speculation of a rift within the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, the Kannauj MP and leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP), affirmed that the INDIA bloc remains united in the state.
On Thursday, he confirmed that the Samajwadi Party and Congress would jointly contest the upcoming by-elections in Uttar Pradesh. This statement came as he addressed the media after paying tribute on the second death anniversary of Mulayam Singh Yadav, the late Samajwadi Party patriarch.
Akhilesh Yadav made it clear that despite rumours, the alliance between the Samajwadi Party and Congress within the INDIA bloc is strong and they will continue to cooperate in the upcoming by-elections in Uttar Pradesh. This statement was significant, given the growing concerns about the stability of the alliance, especially following recent developments.
On October 9, the Samajwadi Party announced its candidates for six seats in the upcoming by-elections, namely Karhal, Sisamau, Katheri, Phulpur, Milkipur, and Majhawan. However, this announcement raised eyebrows within the Congress, one of the key partners in the INDIA bloc alliance.
Congress State Incharge Avinash Pandey expressed his concern, stating that no prior information or discussions had taken place with the coordination committee of the INDIA alliance regarding these seat announcements.
Avinash Pandey noted that the Samajwadi Party had not informed them about their decision, and no coordination had been done with the alliance's committee.
He emphasised that while the announcement of candidates and seat allocation is important, the final decision would rest with the INDIA alliance's coordination committee.
He added that the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) would abide by whatever decision the committee makes. He also expressed confidence in the party’s preparations for the elections, explaining that they are strengthening the party organisation and making early election preparations.
Ajay Rai, the Uttar Pradesh Congress President, supported Pandey’s statement, saying that the Congress central leadership would make the final decision regarding their alliance with the Samajwadi Party.
He assured that the partnership with the Samajwadi Party would continue as it has so far. His comments suggested that despite the miscommunication, the alliance could still stand strong, and the parties remain committed to working together.
The by-elections in Uttar Pradesh are expected to take place later this year across ten assembly seats. The seats include Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sisamau (Kanpur Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad). These elections will be crucial in determining the political dynamics in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the state and national elections.
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently leading the state government, expressed its confidence ahead of the by-polls.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya stated that the BJP is well-prepared for the elections. He indicated that the party is confident of reclaiming its seats and also hopes to win seats currently held by the Samajwadi Party.
Maurya revealed that the BJP is undertaking rigorous preparations, ranging from the grassroots level to the state assembly level, in all ten constituencies.
According to him, the party's efforts are focused on ensuring victory across these seats, with a goal not only to hold onto their existing constituencies but also to capture those currently under the Samajwadi Party’s control.
Of the ten assembly seats going to the by-elections, five were previously won by the Samajwadi Party, while three were secured by the BJP.
The remaining two seats were taken by the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and the Nishad Party, both of which are partners of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The outcome of these by-elections will be crucial for all political parties as they prepare for the larger elections in the coming years.
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