In preparation for the upcoming by-elections in ten Assembly constituencies across Uttar Pradesh, discussions have commenced between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress regarding a potential seat-sharing arrangement. According to sources, the Samajwadi Party is advocating a strategic approach to seat allocation that involves reciprocal concessions.
The proposed strategy, described as ‘give from one hand, take from another,’ entails the Samajwadi Party requesting between ten to twelve seats from the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. In addition, the SP is also seeking five seats from Congress in Haryana. In exchange, the Congress may receive two seats in the Uttar Pradesh by-elections.
The Election Commission has already released the election schedules for both Haryana and Maharashtra, setting the stage for these negotiations. Should Congress agree to the Samajwadi Party’s proposed formula, the SP is prepared to offer the Congress the Majhwa Assembly seat from Ghaziabad and the Mirzapur seat for the Uttar Pradesh by-elections.
Rajendra Chaudhary, the national spokesperson for the Samajwadi Party, expressed optimism about the coordination between the two parties. He indicated that the seat-sharing arrangement would be finalized soon. “We have a great coordination with Congress, and the seat-sharing for the by-elections will be resolved. Our party is looking to expand in Maharashtra and Haryana, and we are hopeful for a satisfactory agreement regarding seats for Congress in the Uttar Pradesh by-elections,” Chaudhary stated.
The need for these by-elections arose after the resignation of nine assembly members who were elected to the Lok Sabha, including SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. Additionally, Irfan Solanki, the SP MLA from the Sisamau Assembly seat in Kanpur, was disqualified following a criminal conviction.
Of the ten seats up for grabs, the Samajwadi Party currently holds five—Karhal, Sisamau, Milkipur, Katehari, and Kundarki. The remaining seats are occupied by the BJP and the Majhwan Nishad Party (Ghaziabad, Phulpur, Khair) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (Mirzapur).
The discussions between the Samajwadi Party and Congress mark a significant step towards consolidating opposition support ahead of the by-elections and could play a crucial role in shaping the electoral landscape in Uttar Pradesh.
