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Congress and Samajwadi Party begin seat sharing talks ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections (Img: Pinterest)
Uttar Pradesh: The Congress has initiated seat-sharing negotiations with the Samajwadi Party (SP) for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, proposing an initial list of 175 to 200 constituencies where it believes it can perform strongly in an alliance.
The demand, however, has reportedly drawn reservations within the SP, with party leaders emphasising that candidates' electoral prospects, rather than political demands, will determine the final seat-sharing arrangement.
Congress Uttar Pradesh in charge Rajendra Pal Gautam confirmed that the party had shared its preliminary list with SP leaders. He said detailed discussions between the two parties would follow, expressing confidence that a mutually acceptable arrangement could be reached.
The Congress is seeking a substantial share of the 403 member Assembly, arguing that the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections demonstrated the electoral potential of a united opposition.
A senior Congress leader said the two parties needed to adopt a practical approach to negotiations, adding that the recent election results had shown the impact they could make together.
The SP leadership is reportedly unconvinced that the Congress's electoral performance justifies its demand for such a large number of seats.
A senior SP leader reiterated party chief Akhilesh Yadav's position that winnability would be the primary consideration. The leader also cautioned against political posturing, stressing the need for a realistic agreement.
The Congress's performance in the 2022 Assembly elections remains a point of concern. Contesting independently, the party won just two seats, down from seven in 2017.
However, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections offered a boost to the alliance. The SP won 37 seats in Uttar Pradesh, while the Congress secured six, limiting the BJP to 33.
The Congress's decision to replace Ajay Rai with MLA Aradhana Misra Mona as its Uttar Pradesh unit chief is also being viewed as potentially significant for alliance negotiations. Some party leaders believe her rapport with SP leadership could help facilitate an agreement.
Akhilesh Yadav has reiterated that strengthening the Congress, SP and INDIA bloc remains essential to defeating the BJP.
The 2027 contest is expected to centre on the BJP-led NDA and the SP-led opposition. Smaller NDA allies, including Apna Dal (S) and the Nishad Party, along with the BSP's independent political position, will also influence the electoral landscape.
