The Congress and Samajwadi Party have begun seat-sharing negotiations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with differences emerging over the number of constituencies the two INDIA bloc allies
should contest.
The discussions come as the Congress looks to strengthen its presence in the state, where it has just two MLAs despite its improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Congress Stakes Claim To Specific Seats In Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday confirmed that the party has begun discussions with INDIA bloc partners over seat-sharing for next year’s Assembly elections.
Speaking to mediapersons in Lucknow, Gautam said the Congress has identified constituencies it wants to contest based on its organisational strength, public support and electoral performance.
“On the basis of our organisational strength, the confidence people have shown in us and our performance, we have put forward our demand for certain seats. Discussions have begun, and we are confident that the final arrangement will be honourable. The details will be shared once the agreement is finalised,” he said.
Gautam, however, did not disclose which constituencies the Congress was seeking.
How Many Seats Does Congress Want In 2027?
The number of seats to be allotted to the Congress has emerged as a key issue in the negotiations with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party.
Sources cited by The Indian Express said senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is actively involved in discussions with the SP’s senior leadership.
While Samajwadi Party leaders have indicated that the Congress could be offered around 50 to 60 seats, the latter is seeking a larger allocation, insisting on what it considers respectable representation in the alliance.
The Congress had earlier spoken of contesting 150 seats. However, Gautam recently questioned that figure, saying, “Who asked for 150 seats? I had actually spoken about 200,” while arguing for “equal respect and equal share”.
The two parties have not yet announced an agreement on the number of constituencies they will contest.
Congress Banks On INDIA Bloc’s 2024 Lok Sabha Performance
The negotiations follow the INDIA bloc’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the Congress and Samajwadi Party contested together in Uttar Pradesh.
The alliance won 43 of the state’s 80 parliamentary constituencies, with the SP securing 37 seats and the Congress six.
Gautam credited Rahul Gandhi, the Congress MP from Raebareli and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for contributing to the alliance’s electoral performance.
“The results of the Lok Sabha elections, in which the INDIA bloc won 43 seats in Uttar Pradesh, show the impact of Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and influence. The Congress is also strengthening its organisation at the grassroots, and we believe our organisational base is becoming stronger,” he said.
Imran Masood Urges Akhilesh Yadav To Finalise Alliance
Meanwhile, Saharanpur MP Imran Masood, who was recently appointed working president of the Congress’s Uttar Pradesh unit, has urged Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to settle the alliance arrangement without delay.
“Finalise the alliance if you have to have an alliance,” Masood said.
He also urged Akhilesh to take the lead in the negotiations, saying, “dil bhi aapko bada karna padega (you will have to have a large heart)”.
