SP-Congress Alliance in UP Faces Seat-Sharing Friction

Seat-Sharing Tensions Emerge in UP SP-Congress Alliance

Lucknow | September 28, 2026 | A tense situation has arisen between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress regarding seat allocation for their potential alliance in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. While the top leadership of both parties has expressed intentions to contest together, public statements from leaders on seat numbers, criteria for candidate selection, and claims in various constituencies have escalated political temperatures.

This friction indicates that the path to an alliance may not be as smooth as it appears. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav recently clarified that preparations are underway to contest the upcoming 2027 elections with the Congress. However, he emphasized 'winnability' as the primary basis for seat distribution.

This approach suggests the SP prioritizes seats where their candidate is in a strong position or the party's organization is more effective, rather than allocating seats solely based on political equations. The SP is valuing ground reality and candidate's individual capability more than sheer numbers.

Indications of Cracks and Leaders' Statements

As the seat-sharing issue heats up, verbal exchanges between leaders of both parties have intensified. Congress MP Imran Masood recently expressed concern over delays in seat-sharing talks, hinting that the Congress might have to prepare independently if a quick decision isn't made.

Reacting to this statement, SP MP Iqra Hasan commented on Akhilesh Yadav's leadership, further highlighting the differences between the two parties. Additionally, statements from senior SP leaders Shivpal Yadav and Ram Gopal Yadav have also publicly exposed the discomfort between the two allies.

Congress state president Ajay Rai has also increased political activity by advocating for strengthening the Congress in SP-dominated areas. Following his statement, political discussions have begun regarding Congress's claims even in traditional SP strongholds like Mainpuri, Etawah, and Kannauj. This situation indicates that the Congress not only seeks to expand its presence but also aims to consolidate its foothold in areas currently dominated by the SP.

Impact of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections and 2022 Data

The performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will also serve as a significant reference point in the upcoming seat-sharing negotiations. During that time, the SP and Congress contested together for the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. However, in the 2022 assembly elections, both parties contested separately.

According to available electoral data, the SP won 111 seats in the 2022 assembly elections, while the Congress was limited to just two seats. Considering these figures, the Congress will likely attempt to strengthen its claim on more seats, while the SP will want to secure its areas of influence.

Reports suggest that the Congress party is preparing to revitalize its organization in Uttar Pradesh this time and stake claims on a larger number of seats. The party has also begun a detailed evaluation of all 403 assembly constituencies, with a process underway to categorize seats based on their priority.

The Congress has been consistently demanding the commencement of seat-sharing talks at the earliest.

The Way Forward and Potential Negotiations

Currently, both parties are accelerating their election preparations at their respective levels. The SP has initiated efforts to connect with the public and create an electoral atmosphere through campaigns like the 'PDA Rath Yatra'.

Conversely, the Congress is focusing on strengthening its organization and identifying potential seats. Although consensus on contesting together has been reached at the top leadership level, the number of seats, the formula for regional claims, and the criteria for candidate selection remain uncertain.

Some reports also suggest the possibility of formal seat-sharing talks commencing in October. Following this proposed negotiation, it is expected that the actual seat-sharing equations between the two parties and the strength of the alliance will become clearer.

The biggest challenge facing the SP-Congress alliance will be to rise above this political tug-of-war and leaders' statements to forge a consensus on seat distribution that is acceptable to the workers of both parties and paves the way for victory in the upcoming elections.