After weeks of intense negotiations, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress have inked a crucial deal, solidifying their pre-poll alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In a significant move, the Congress has secured 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh as part of this strategic pact, setting the stage for a formidable challenge to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.
The alliance, aimed at consolidating opposition forces, comes under the umbrella of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), formed last year. Both parties have committed to a unified battle plan, with SP state president Naresh Uttam Patel emphasizing their shared goal of contesting against the BJP.
Avinash Pande, Congress’ Uttar Pradesh in-charge, confirmed the alliance, stating, “In Uttar Pradesh, the INC will contest on 17 seats, while the remaining 63 seats will feature candidates from the INDIA Alliance, including SP and other allied parties.”
The official announcement follows SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s assurance that the alliance would be finalized, dispelling doubts and affirming unity among opposition ranks. As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, the SP has already named 31 candidates in three lists, while the Congress is yet to announce its contenders in Uttar Pradesh.
Speculation is rife regarding Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s potential electoral debut from Rae Bareli, her mother Sonia Gandhi’s constituency. Additionally, there are calls within the Congress for Rahul Gandhi to re-enter the fray in Amethi, where he lost to BJP’s Smriti Irani in 2019, ending a 15-year tenure representing the constituency.
