Stalemate in UP Alliance Talks as Congress-Samajwadi Party Negotiations Stall

Negotiations between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh have reached a deadlock, with the Congress pressing for 20 seats and insisting on receiving “winnable seats” rather than those currently offered. Despite exchanging letters outlining their positions, no breakthrough has been achieved since the last face-to-face meeting on January 19.

The SP, led by Akhilesh Yadav, had initially announced an alliance with the Congress for 11 seats, but the ambiguity persists over the final number. With the exit of Jayant Singh’s Rashtriya Lok Dal to the BJP-led NDA, the Congress hoped to secure more seats. However, the SP is reportedly willing to concede only 14 seats, raising objections to many of the seats proposed by the Congress due to perceived low electoral potential.

The SP’s insistence on vetting Congress candidates for the allocated seats has further strained the negotiations, with the Congress arguing against such interference. Despite the impasse, both parties maintain cordial relations and express confidence in eventually reaching an agreement, emphasizing the need for patience and thorough deliberation in alliance-building efforts.