Lucknow: The India coalition in Uttar Pradesh is facing renewed tension as clouds of uncertainty loom over the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP). While the Congress is eager to contest the upcoming bypolls in Uttar Pradesh in partnership with the SP, the latter is seeking to expand its influence in Haryana instead. However, the prospect of coordination between the two parties in Haryana appears increasingly unlikely.
The Haryana Congress is reportedly keen to contest the elections independently, resisting any seat-sharing arrangement with the SP. This stance could have significant repercussions in Uttar Pradesh, where the SP and Congress have historically collaborated.
The Samajwadi Party is eyeing 10 to 12 seats in Haryana, particularly in constituencies where the Muslim and Yadav votes are pivotal. SP President Akhilesh Yadav recently held discussions with Haryana SP officials in Lucknow, where it was decided that if an alliance with Congress does not materialise, the SP will field its own candidates in these key constituencies. The SP is advocating for a strategy similar to that in Uttar Pradesh, where both parties contest elections together, and expects Congress to adopt the same approach in other states.
On the other hand, the Congress is open to an alliance with the SP in Uttar Pradesh but is reluctant to concede seats in Haryana. Congress leaders argue that in states where the party faces a direct contest with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it would be unwise to accommodate other political entities.
SP spokesperson Mohan Yadav commented on the situation, stating, “These decisions will ultimately be made by the national leadership of both the SP and Congress. However, if we look at previous elections, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, we saw the consequences of mixed messaging. The Congress must carefully consider its approach to avoid repeating past mistakes.”
Yadav further emphasised the potential for the SP to reshape the political landscape in Haryana, noting that there are several areas where SP supporters are significant in number. “In the absence of a strong SP base, many of these voters have aligned with the BJP. However, we are determined to alter this equation,” he said.
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