Lucknow: With an eye on the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has signalled that it intends to continue its alliance with the Congress, banking on the electoral gains achieved by the INDIA bloc during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
SP president Akhilesh Yadav has made it clear that the opposition alliance will remain intact for the next Assembly election, indicating that the party is keen to replicate the formula that helped it emerge as a major force in Uttar Pradesh during the parliamentary polls. The move comes despite occasional disagreements between the two allies over seat sharing and electoral strategies in recent months.
The SP and Congress alliance delivered encouraging results in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning 43 of Uttar Pradesh’s 80 parliamentary seats. Of these, SP secured 37 seats while Congress won six. The performance was widely seen as evidence of the effectiveness of opposition unity against the BJP in the state.
Political observers believe the SP leadership is wary of a split in opposition votes if Congress contests separately in 2027. Both parties draw support from several overlapping social groups, including sections of Dalits, Muslims and Other Backward Classes. A fragmented opposition vote could benefit the BJP, making alliance management a key strategic priority for SP.
The decision also reflects Akhilesh Yadav’s broader political calculations. Since taking charge of the party, he has attempted to expand SP’s national relevance through participation in the INDIA bloc. However, Uttar Pradesh remains the party’s principal battleground, and retaining a united opposition front is viewed as crucial for its prospects of returning to power after being out of government since 2017.
At the same time, alliance negotiations are unlikely to be straightforward. Reports suggest that discussions over seat sharing could become contentious, with both parties seeking a favourable arrangement based on electoral strength and winnability. Congress leaders have also expressed aspirations for a larger share of seats in the 2027 contest.
With nearly two years left for the Assembly elections, both SP and Congress appear focused on maintaining political cohesion while preparing for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched electoral battles in the country. How successfully the two allies manage seat sharing and grassroots coordination may ultimately shape the opposition’s challenge in Uttar Pradesh in 2027.