Lucknow, Dec 04 (UNI) The political landscape of Uttar Pradesh has entered a fresh phase of turbulence, with tensions between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), key constituents of the INDIA bloc, rising sharply. Despite the alliance’s strong performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, signs of strain have become increasingly visible.
On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai made it unequivocally clear in Moradabad that the Congress will contest the upcoming 2026 panchayat elections independently. The party, he said, is also strengthening its organisational machinery to fight all 403 Assembly seats on its own in the 2027 state elections.
Rai was speaking to the media after visiting the family of a BLO (Booth Level Officer) who suffered a brain hemorrhage. Stressing the party’s renewed grassroots focus, he stated that Congress candidates who perform well in the panchayat elections will be prioritised for Assembly tickets in 2027. “These elections will form the basis of ticket distribution for the next Assembly polls,” he asserted, emphasising internal assessments over seat-sharing arrangements.
Addressing growing speculation on the future of the Congress–SP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, Rai reiterated that any decision regarding the coalition rests with the national leadership. However, his remarks also indicated a subtle shift in strategy. “We are preparing for all 403 Assembly seats with full strength. Whether a coalition happens or not will be decided by the high command,” he said.
Political observers believe Rai’s statements reflect the Congress’s intent to rebuild its base independently and enhance its bargaining power within any future alliance. Tensions between the Congress and SP have risen following disagreements over seat-sharing in the Bihar Assembly elections and recent UP bypolls. The UP Congress in-charge Avinash Pande also confirmed that the party will contest the panchayat polls without any alliance. Earlier, Rai had also expressed the intention to fight all 11 MLC seats solo.
Sources indicate that the Congress feels sidelined within the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh, often receiving fewer seats than it desires. While the SP is reportedly willing to offer only 50–60 Assembly seats to the Congress for 2027, the Congress aims for at least 125–150. To justify this demand, the party is keen on demonstrating electoral strength through the upcoming grassroots elections.
As part of its organisational overhaul, the Congress has divided all 403 Assembly seats into three categories: A, B, and C. Around 200 seats in the A-category are said to be areas where the party retains a traditional or notable vote base. Cities like Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur have been identified as regions where the educated urban voter may still show an inclination toward the Congress.
Interestingly, the SP has already withdrawn from contesting the panchayat elections, raising questions about Congress’s choice to part ways despite the SP’s non-participation. Adding to the political intrigue, several NDA allies, including Apna Dal (S), Nishad Party, RLD, and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, have also declared they will contest the panchayat elections independently, signaling a broader trend of parties seeking to assert themselves at the grassroots before the 2027 battle.
The Uttar Pradesh three-tier panchayat elections are scheduled between April and July 2026. The terms of village pradhans end on May 26, 2026, block chiefs on July 19, and district panchayat chairpersons on July 11.
For now, the ball lies in the SP’s court, as the party has not yet responded to Ajay Rai’s remarks. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has previously stated that he intends to fight the 2027 elections as part of the INDIA alliance. Whether the alliance survives the mounting friction or transforms into a bitter seat-sharing tug-of-war remains to be seen.
Congress–SP rift widens in UP as Congress announces solo fight in 2026 panchayat polls
