Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav’s decision to skip the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, September 30, has renewed questions about relations between the SP and Congress ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
The Opposition gathering was called to discuss a joint agitation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and to press for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Akhilesh’s absence attracted attention because he has been a prominent critic of the SIR exercise.
The SP cited Rajya Sabha nomination-related commitments in Uttar Pradesh as the reason for his absence. The party sent Mohibullah Nadvi and Harendra Malik to represent it, confirming its participation despite its chief staying away.
Congress Seat Demands Put Alliance Under Spotlight
SP sources linked Akhilesh’s apparent displeasure to recent statements by Congress MP Imran Masood and the party’s Uttar Pradesh in-charge, Rajendra Pal Gautam. Gautam said Congress intended to contest at least 150 Assembly seats and was preparing across all 403 constituencies. The report indicated that the SP was considering offering Congress around 80–90 seats and was reluctant to concede constituencies such as Rae Bareli and Amethi. These figures remain reported positions rather than a final agreement.
Masood’s remarks that Akhilesh needed greater generosity to lead the alliance reportedly added to the unease. Although the SP has publicly played down differences, the statements have brought competing expectations over seat allocation into focus.
Akhilesh’s absence is consequently being interpreted by some political observers as a possible signal to Congress. Neither party, however, has confirmed that a seat-sharing disagreement prompted his decision.
SP and Congress Cite Nomination Commitments
The SP maintained that Akhilesh was occupied with the Rajya Sabha nomination process, including Ram Gopal Yadav’s nomination. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal also supported that explanation, saying he had spoken to Akhilesh and that SP representatives would attend the meeting.
The absence of senior figures such as Ram Gopal Yadav, Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav nevertheless added to speculation about the alliance’s internal dynamics.
The report also said the DMK and AAP were staying away from the gathering amid their own differences with Congress. Their absence placed further attention on the Opposition’s efforts to coordinate its response to the SIR controversy.
For the SP and Congress, the immediate challenge is to manage public disagreements while working towards an electoral understanding in Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh’s decision has highlighted that pressure, but it does not by itself establish a break in the alliance.
