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Preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are still in their early stages, but the political battle over seat-sharing within the India alliance appears to be intensifying. The Samajwadi Party and Congress, who jointly challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha elections, are now asserting their political presence and strength ahead of the assembly elections.

Congress leaders are talking about a share of 125 to 150 seats in the alliance and equal respect, while Samajwadi Party leaders are reminding Congress of its limitations by citing the ground reality of the state, the organization and the past electoral performance. The

 continuous statements of the leaders of both the parties have intensified the discussion that this competition to become the ‘elder brother’ before the assembly elections may prove to be a burden on the unity of the INDIA alliance. Political experts believe that if the top leadership does not make a clear strategy on this issue in time, then the increasing dispute over seat sharing can become a challenge for the opposition alliance.

Congress said – now we will not become younger brother

The Congress party’s confidence has increased after its alliance with the Samajwadi Party in the Lok Sabha elections. Senior Congress leader Imran Masood has clearly stated that the Congress will no longer contest elections as the “younger brother.” Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Rajendra Gautam has repeatedly stated that the party should receive a respectable share commensurate with its strength and support base.

Many party leaders believe that Congress is a contender for 125 to 150 seats. Congress argues that the Lok Sabha election success was not a victory for any one party, but a shared victory for the coalition. Therefore, seat sharing in the Assembly elections should also be done in a respectful manner.

Samajwadi Party shows Congress the mirror of 2022

Samajwadi Party leaders have also openly responded to Congress’s growing claims. Samajwadi Party National General Secretary Prof. Ramgopal Yadav stated that seat allocation will be based on political strength and winnability, not on claims. Samajwadi Party Chief National Spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary has also repeatedly stated that the Samajwadi Party is the largest opposition force in Uttar Pradesh and that seat allocation within the alliance will be decided on that basis.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Manoj Kaka reminded the Congress that the party contested the 2022 assembly elections alone and won only two seats. He said that the Congress cannot use its Lok Sabha election performance as a benchmark for the assembly elections.

Lok Sabha success boosts Congress’ confidence

The Samajwadi Party and Congress alliance performed well in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. Following this, the Congress organization now wants a larger share in the assembly elections as well. The Samajwadi Party, meanwhile, argues that its organization, booth network, and support base in the state are far stronger than those of the Congress, and therefore, seat sharing should be based on that political reality.

Political tension is increasing due to statements

The rhetoric between the leaders of both parties regarding seat allocation is steadily intensifying. While the Congress party is talking about a respectable and equal share, the Samajwadi Party is relying on its winning potential and past electoral record.

In such a situation, negotiating a seat-sharing formula between the two parties is not considered easy. Political analysts believe that if public statements like this continue, distrust between the two parties could grow even before formal negotiations begin, potentially impacting the strength of the alliance.

Bharatiya Janata Party is also keeping an eye on

The Bharatiya Janata Party is also closely monitoring the increasing rhetoric within the opposition alliance. BJP leaders claim that reaching a consensus on seat allocation within the INDIA alliance will be difficult, and this tension may intensify as the assembly elections approach. In such a scenario, the BJP may attempt to portray this issue as a weakness of the opposition.

The biggest test before 2027

In Uttar Pradesh politics, it is considered strategically important for both the Samajwadi Party and the Congress to remain united to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party. The way leaders of both parties are asserting their political strength from public platforms, it is clear that seat sharing and the fight to become the big brother before the assembly elections will become the biggest political test for the INDIA alliance. All eyes are now on the top leadership of both parties to see how they control this rhetoric and find a way to reach a consensus on seat sharing.