New Delhi: Heated exchanges are being witnessed between the government and the opposition regarding Uttar Pradesh. Tensions are running high between the BJP and the SP these days. The BJP is gearing up to enter the electoral battle under Yogi’s leadership. Meanwhile, a lack of consensus appears to persist between the SP and Congress leaders within the INDIA alliance; leaders from both parties seem to be at odds over seat-sharing.
Congress seeks an equal share of seats in UP, whereas the SP does not appear willing to concede even a third of the seats. Rajendra Pal Gautam, the Congress election in-charge for UP, reacted sharply to a statement made by senior SP leader Shivpal Yadav. He remarked that if they do not wish to ally, they should simply say so clearly. In fact, Shivpal Yadav had stated that there was no possibility of giving Congress more than 50 seats.
Congress In-charge Makes a Strong Statement
Rajendra Pal Gautam, the Congress in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, objected to the statement made by senior SP leader Shivpal Singh Yadav. He said, “They should just refuse; they should clearly state that they do not want an alliance. At the very least, the discourse should be fair. What was the need to make such flippant remarks?”
He also countered claims made by SP leaders suggesting that the gains Congress made in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were due to the alliance with the Samajwadi Party. He questioned whether, if that were the case, why did the SP would have secured only five Lok Sabha seats in 2019.
How Did SP Secure 37 Seats?
The Congress in-charge stated that the 2024 election was fought by Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA alliance on the issues of social justice and the protection of the Constitution. He further added that while the SP won 37 seats in this election, it was not solely due to the SP, but rather the result of the hard work put in by the entire alliance and Rahul Gandhi. He further remarked that Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ brought about significant changes; during the approximately 4,500-kilometre journey, he met with labourers, farmers, marginalised sections, carpenters, mechanics, porters, and people from all walks of life, championing the cause of their rights.
If anyone believes that the 37 seats were secured solely due to the Samajwadi Party, it is a misconception held by Akhilesh Yadav and his leaders. Meanwhile, regarding seat-sharing, Rajendra Pal Gautam stated that if an alliance is formed, both parties will jointly win the election and form the government.
He emphasised that the Congress is focused on victory, not defeat. Elections are contests between parties rather than individuals, and the public votes for the party. He asserted that, in terms of ideology, the Congress stands at the forefront across the country.
