Alliance in UP By-Polls Remains, Confirms Akhilesh Yadav Amidst Speculation

Akhilesh Yadav assures that the INDIA bloc, comprising the Samajwadi Party and Congress, remains united for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh by-elections despite reports of discord. Concerns arose after Samajwadi Party unilaterally announced candidates, surprising Congress leaders seeking further alliance discussions.

In the face of growing speculation about a potential rift within the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh, Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav reaffirmed on Thursday the solidarity of the Opposition alliance. Yadav emphasized that the Samajwadi Party and Congress are set to contest the upcoming UP by-polls together.

While paying tribute on the second anniversary of Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav's passing, Akhilesh spoke about the electoral alliance's state. "The INDIA bloc is intact in Uttar Pradesh. The Samajwadi Party and Congress will fight in conjunction during the upcoming by-elections," affirmed Yadav.

Amid the announcement from the SP declaring candidates for six by-election seats, Congress State Incharge Avinash Pandey expressed concern over the lack of communication. "No prior information was shared with us. The INDIA alliance coordination committee needs to convene to finalize the decision, which will be respected by the UP Congress," Pandey commented, adding emphasis on the ongoing organizational strengthening and election preparations.

With the UP by-elections approaching for ten assembly seats, strategizing continues. UP Congress President Ajay Rai backed Pandey's statement, emphasizing that the central leadership's decision will prevail, retaining the alliance with the Samajwadi Party.

Despite internal alliance discussions, BJP appears unwaveringly confident about its prospects in the upcoming by-polls, organized attentively from booth to Vidhan Sabha levels across contested constituencies. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed optimism about regaining BJP's seats and challenged seats held by the Samajwadi Party.

Of the ten assembly seats up for election, the Samajwadi Party earlier held five seats, while the BJP secured three. The Rashtriya Lok Dal and Nishad Party, both NDA partners, each held one seat, contributing to the political stakes as by-election preparations get underway. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)