Priyanka Gandhi And Akhilesh Yadav Resolve Impasse, Confirm SP-Congress Alliance For 2024 In UP

The resolution of protracted tensions between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress in Uttar Pradesh has culminated in a significant seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), the two political entities have reached a definitive pact, with the Congress and its coalition partners slated to contest 17 seats, while the SP and its affiliated parties will vie for the remaining 63 seats.

Avinash Pande, the Congress's point person for Uttar Pradesh affairs, attributed the successful negotiation to the pivotal role played by Priyanka Gandhi, emphasizing her instrumental contribution in facilitating the agreement. Expressing his satisfaction with the collaborative effort, Pande officially confirmed the seat allocation, stating, "I am pleased to announce that in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress will compete for 17 seats, with the remaining 63 seats reserved for candidates from the INDIA bloc, including the SP and other associated parties."

Echoing Pande's sentiments, SP state president Naresh Uttam Patel hailed the collective efforts of Akhilesh Yadav and Mallikarjun Kharge in aligning with the aspirations of the Indian populace, underscoring the profound significance of their alliance.

The resolution of tensions between the SP and the Congress was underscored by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's affirmation, "All is well that ends well." This statement symbolizes a reconciliation following a period of discord, during which Yadav refrained from joining Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra until a consensus was reached on seat-sharing. With Rahul continuing his yatra in the state, Yadav's eventual participation alongside him appears probable.

Despite initial disagreements over seat allocation, the SP eventually acceded to the Congress's demands, increasing its offer from 11 to 17 seats. With Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake, the alliance aims to present a formidable electoral front against its opponents.

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The Congress, buoyed by retaining key constituencies like Rae Bareli and Amethi, seeks to improve upon its 2019 performance, which witnessed a decline in both vote share and seat count. Conversely, the SP experienced a reduction in its vote share, emphasizing the importance of presenting a united front to counter electoral challenges.

As both parties gear up for the forthcoming elections, the finalization of the seat-sharing agreement marks a significant milestone in consolidating their electoral strategy and maximizing their collective electoral prospects in Uttar Pradesh.