Samajwadi Party Ends Seat Sharing Talks with Congress in Uttar Pradesh: Reports

Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party (SP) has reportedly pulled the plug on seat-sharing negotiations with the Congress party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, dealing a major blow to the opposition’s efforts to unite against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

SP’s Final Offer Rejected:

According to reports, the SP offered Congress 17 seats, but the offer was deemed insufficient by the Congress. With no response from the Congress, the SP considers the negotiations closed. This comes despite SP leader Akhilesh Yadav‘s earlier statement on Monday claiming advanced talks and upcoming joint rallies.

Congress Denies Breakup, SP Releases Candidate List:

However, the Congress maintains that the alliance is still a possibility. This contradiction adds to the confusion surrounding the potential opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, the SP has released its own list of 11 candidates, signaling its willingness to go solo if necessary.

Significance for Congress and Opposition:

If confirmed, this failed alliance would be a major setback for the Congress, following Mamata Banerjee’s decision to contest all 42 seats in West Bengal. Both parties have struggled in recent elections, making a united front crucial to challenge the BJP’s dominance.

Historical Background:

The Congress was once a powerful force in Uttar Pradesh, but its influence has dwindled significantly. In 2019, it won only one seat compared to the BJP’s 282. The SP, while performing better, also witnessed a decline in seat share.

Political Fallout:

This development highlights the challenges faced by the opposition in forging a united front against the BJP. The lack of agreement between key players like the Congress and SP could make it more difficult to dislodge the incumbent party in the upcoming elections.