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Akhilesh Yadav Says Defeating BJP Remains Priority in Seat-Share Talks

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav addressed questions about seat-sharing arrangements with the Congress, emphasizing that the primary focus remains on countering the BJP's electoral prospects.

LSN India · 23 October 2026

Akhilesh Yadav Says Defeating BJP Remains Priority in Seat-Share Talks

Uttar Pradesh opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav responded to ongoing questions about seat-sharing negotiations with the Indian National Congress during a public engagement in Etawah, asserting that defeating the BJP remains the central objective of alliance discussions.

The Samajwadi Party chief fielded queries regarding the allocation of constituencies between the two parties, a key sticking point in their efforts to forge a unified anti-BJP front in the state. Despite the complexities of the negotiations, Yadav reiterated that both parties share a common goal of preventing a third consecutive BJP election victory in India's most populous state.

During the same appearance, Yadav also addressed separate questions concerning recent action taken against SP leader Rajkumar Bhatia and matters related to senior party figure Mohammad Azam Khan. These developments have added complexity to internal party dynamics as the Samajwadi Party navigates alliance talks with the Congress.

The seat-sharing question has emerged as a significant challenge for the opposition alliance, with both parties seeking to maximize their electoral advantage while presenting a credible alternative to the ruling BJP. Yadav's comments suggest the SP leadership remains committed to finding a workable arrangement, provided it strengthens the opposition's prospects in crucial electoral battles across Uttar Pradesh.