- By Shubham Bajpai
- Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The opposition is going through a churn across the country to devise a plan for a successful campaign against the BJP, both in the Centre and the states. The most significant challenge, however, awaits in Uttar Pradesh, where the assembly elections are slated for next year. The uneasiness to put up a solid fight is visible in the opposition parties, as there are speculations over All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) joining the INDI alliance.
However, there are contrasting reactions from the two major constituents of the INDIA bloc from Uttar Pradesh, Congress and Samajwadi Party.
The buzz started after AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that he would join the opposition bloc to stop the BJP, putting a rider that his party must get equal respect.
"We are prepared to form an alliance to prevent the BJP from returning to power in Uttar Pradesh, provided we are treated with respect and accorded equal status within that alliance," he said.
Congress sceptical, SP ready
According to a report by NDTV, Congress MP Imran Masood on Sunday said that any decision on including AIMIM in the bloc would be taken by the party's Central leadership.
However, he seemed disapproving of the idea, saying that strengthening and opposing communalism together is not possible.
"It will not be possible to oppose communalism on one hand and strengthen it on the other. The fight is between PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi. There is no middle ground. Only Rahul Gandhi has the power to defeat the BJP," he said.
Samajwadi Party, the prime Opposition in the UP Legislative Assembly and an important party within the INDIA bloc, seems to have an inclusive approach.
The report cited senior Samajwadi Party leader and MP Ram Gopal Yadav, saying that everyone who can defeat the BJP is welcome in the alliance. He said, Whoever defeats the BJP is welcome."