Congress demands unrealistic seat share, says Samajwadi Party leader ahead of UP polls

Friction within the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh has intensified as the Samajwadi Party and Congress begin negotiations over seat distribution ahead of 2027 state assembly polls. Samajwadi Party MP S.P. Singh Patel on Tuesday rejected what he characterized as an inflated demand from Congress, saying the party was being unreasonable in its expectations. "Congress is demanding 150 seats, which is beyond what we can offer," Patel said, adding that even allocating 50 seats to the party would be a significant concession. The comments underscore deepening disagreements between the two parties on the mechanics of their electoral partnership, less than three years before voters go to the polls in India's most populous state. The Congress, which has struggled to retain relevance in Uttar Pradesh politics, has been pushing for a larger share of seats to make its campaign viable across the state's 403 assembly constituencies. The Samajwadi Party, which performed better in recent elections, appears reluctant to cede substantial ground. Political analysts say these early disputes could threaten the viability of the alliance itself, potentially benefiting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the crucial state.