The Congress party has formally initiated seat-sharing negotiations with the Samajwadi Party (SP) for the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, submitting an initial list of 175 to 200 constituencies it aims to contest. This move follows the parties' improved performance as allies in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where they collectively challenged the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
However, sources within the Samajwadi Party indicate skepticism regarding the Congress's demand for such a significant share of the 403-seat Assembly. SP leaders are reportedly unconvinced of the Congress's political strength, emphasizing that 'winnability' must be the sole criterion for final constituency allocation.
Congress Cites 2024 Lok Sabha Success
Despite the SP's reservations, Congress leaders express confidence, pointing to their six Lok Sabha victories in Uttar Pradesh during the 2024 general elections. The alliance saw the Congress secure six seats and the Samajwadi Party a robust 37, while the BJP was limited to 33 in the state. This outcome, according to Congress, demonstrates the alliance's potential to make a substantial impact.
Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam confirmed that the list was shared with SP leaders and detailed discussions on seat-sharing arrangements are expected soon. He stressed the importance of a 'meaningful give and take' to reach a reasonable agreement.
Samajwadi Party Emphasizes Winnability
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has publicly affirmed the INDIA bloc's collective goal to remove the BJP from power, stating that the alliance would move forward effectively. However, senior SP leaders privately question the practicality of Congress's demands, given its diminished presence in the state Assembly. In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Congress contested independently and secured only two seats, a decline from seven in 2017.
The recent appointment of Aradhana Misra Mona as the new Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, replacing Ajay Rai, is also seen as a strategic move to facilitate smoother alliance negotiations. Mona is believed to have closer ties with the Samajwadi Party leadership, potentially aiding in bridging the gap between the allies' expectations.
The Road to 2027
As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh is shaping up primarily as a contest between the BJP-led NDA and the Samajwadi Party-led opposition, with the Congress seeking a substantial role. Smaller NDA partners, such as Apna Dal (S) and the Nishad Party, are expected to play supporting roles, while the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) remains an independent factor. The ongoing negotiations between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party will be crucial in defining the strength and unity of the opposition bloc against the incumbent BJP.