Congress, Samajwadi Party at odds over UP assembly seat allocation

Talks between the Congress and Samajwadi Party over seat allocation for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls have gathered momentum, though deep divisions remain over the final settlement. The Samajwadi Party has proposed allocating 86 seats to the Congress, while the national party is pressing for 105 to 115 seats in the 403-member state assembly. The contentious issues of Raibareli and Amethi constituencies have emerged as major sticking points in ongoing negotiations between the two opposition parties. Both seats hold significant political importance, with the Congress seeking to retain influence in these traditional strongholds. The talks underscore efforts by opposition parties to forge a united front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the crucial northern state. As negotiations continue, both parties will need to reconcile their competing demands to arrive at a consensus on seat division before the electoral process begins.