UP Assembly Elections 2026: SP-Congress Alliance Likely To Proceed With 2017 Seat-Distribution Formula

Jagran Bureau, New Delhi: In the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2027, Congress has nearly completed its organisational preparations, with the talks now set to begin with the Samajwadi Party regarding a potential alliance and seat-sharing.

Congress leaders claim that the discussion with SP will mainly focus on which party would contest what seat in India's largest state assembly, as there are indications of a consensus between the top leadership of both parties on the number of seats in the alliance.

According to the details, the alliance would be based on the 2017 formula, and Congress could get 105 to 115 seats to contest. If SP candidates appear stronger than Congress in some of these seats, they may contest on the Congress symbol.

As part of the organisation's overhaul, the party has finalised the process of district president re-selection.

Series of meetings held

A meeting of State President Ajay Rai, State In-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam and Leader of Legislative Party along with Central Observers has been held with the national leadership.

Sources said that after the meeting, state leaders met with the party's senior leader, Sonia Gandhi, where a formal discussion was also held on the SP-Congress alliance.

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The meetings have sent a clear message that the SP-Congress alliance is almost complete. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has also reportedly sent a message to party workers that the election will be fought in alliance with the Congress.

Given the preparations, the likelihood of any complications over the number of seats is now low.

Congress survey finds 150 favouring seats

A senior party leader said that Congress has conducted a survey at its own level and identified 150 such seats where Congress can contest the elections well and it also has good candidates.

While the state leaders have been pushing for a greater number of seats, senior leaders from both parties have agreed on a formula from 2017.

At that time, Congress contested 114 seats, fielding candidates on 105. Nine seats were contested by the Samajwadi Party on the Congress symbol.

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Rahul Gandhi's recent popularity gives a push

Congress leaders argue that despite local SP leaders estimating a 40-50 seats offer to the Congress, the senior SP leaders are finding it hard to ignore Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's recent aggressive campaign against the ruling dispensation, which has allegedly increased his acceptability among various sections.

Rahul has gained influence, particularly among loyal voters of both parties and anti-BJP voters seeking alternatives. Furthermore, the SP and Congress have learned from the fallout of the Grand Alliance in Bihar and are focusing on better coordination.