Congress alliance with SP in jeopardy ahead of UP elections

Following the formation of a new team for Uttar Pradesh, the collapse of the Congress party’s alliance with the Samajwadi Party appears almost certain. The Congress has adopted the SP’s “PDA” political strategy by wooing Pandits, Dalits, and Alpsankhyak (minorities) voters, and is thus eyeing the same vote bank for future growth. In the process it is also demanding an impossibly high number of seats from the SP, which is bound to strain the alliance. All this is being seen as a build-up for the Congress to part ways and contest the elections independently, with an eye on the future.

While analysts believe the alliance might still be salvaged at the last minute if Congress secures 100 seats to contest, but the Samajwadi Party’s political stance suggests that an agreement is unlikely. This is because the SP is anticipating that the Congress will break the alliance. Sources reveal that Congress’s internal reports regarding Uttar Pradesh are unfavourable, with its prospects of winning the election—even in alliance with the Samajwadi Party—appearing bleak. Whether the SP contests alone or in alliance, the BJP is likely to secure a majority, say sources.

Consequently, Congress appears to be preparing to contest all seats across the state. Statements by state in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam also indicate that the party is not in the mood for an alliance. By demanding 150 to 200 seats from the SP, Congress is effectively provoking the SP to break the alliance. Meanwhile, Congress is busy expanding its fold in Uttar Pradesh by inducting leaders of all statures; several leaders joined the party on Saturday as well. The party’s strategy is clear: to somehow gather enough leaders to contest 400 seats. Congress had intended to apply the same formula in Bihar, having sensed early on that RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav would not have much of an impact.

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