Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Rahul Gandhi Revival Fuels SP-Congress Seat-Sharing Tug of War
The Congress and Samajwadi Party want to work together against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.
But they disagree about how many election seats each party should contest.
Akhilesh Yadav started a political journey in Rae Bareilly to show that his party remains strong in the state.
Congress leaders believe Rahul Gandhi’s popularity has improved, especially among some Dalit and Muslim voters.
They therefore want between 135 and 150 seats.
The Samajwadi Party says it should contest most of the 403 seats because it has a larger organisation and stronger election record in Uttar Pradesh.
Both parties still need each other to combine anti-BJP votes.
They are expected to begin serious negotiations in October.
Their final agreement could shape the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.
Akhilesh Yadav began his PDA rath yatra in Rae Bareilly, signaling the Samajwadi Party’s strength ahead of alliance talks.
Congress leaders are seeking 135–150 seats, while the Samajwadi Party has indicated it may offer roughly 75.
The Congress cites Rahul Gandhi’s improved public image and its 2024 gains as reasons for a larger share.
The Samajwadi Party argues that Congress lacks a strong organisation and depends heavily on SP-backed votes.
Formal seat-sharing discussions are expected to begin in early October, with both parties preparing constituency-level bargaining positions.
- Who
- The Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, and the Congress, associated with Rahul Gandhi, are negotiating an alliance.
- What
- The parties are preparing for contentious seat-sharing talks before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.
- When
- The election is scheduled for 2027; formal talks are expected to begin in early October, with Congress organisational teams planned by September 24.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, including Rae Bareilly, where Akhilesh Yadav launched his PDA rath yatra.
- Why
- Both parties want to consolidate anti-BJP votes, but each is seeking the strongest possible position and seat share.
Congress Position
Samajwadi Party Position
Seat share
Congress Position
Congress is seeking 135–150 seats, arguing that it has improved its public perception and can attract Dalit, Muslim and some upper-caste voters.
Samajwadi Party Position
The Samajwadi Party has indicated that Congress should receive roughly 75 seats because the SP has the stronger organisation and electoral base.
Political strength
Congress Position
Congress leaders say Rahul Gandhi’s recent public engagements have revived party morale and increased its bargaining power.
Samajwadi Party Position
SP leaders argue that Congress remains weak at the district and grassroots levels and that its recent gains largely came from votes brought by the SP.
Alliance balance
Congress Position
Congress says the Samajwadi Party needs the alliance to consolidate anti-BJP votes and that Congress should receive a healthy share to attract Dalit voters.
Samajwadi Party Position
The Samajwadi Party wants Congress support but is wary that a major Congress revival could threaten its own political space and create dissent among SP ticket-seekers.
- Assembly seats
- Uttar Pradesh has 403 Assembly seats.
- Congress demand
- Congress leaders are seeking approximately 135–150 seats.
- Samajwadi Party baseline
- The Samajwadi Party has indicated it wants to contest at least 328 seats and leave about 75 for Congress.
- 2022 Congress result
- Congress won 2 of the 399 Assembly seats it contested, with a 2.3% vote share.
- 2024 Congress result
- Congress won 6 Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha seats with a 9.56% vote share while allied with the Samajwadi Party.
- 2024 Samajwadi Party result
- The Samajwadi Party won 37 Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha seats with a 33.6% vote share.
- Previous alliance
- In 2017, Congress contested 106 Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats and won 7.