Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday confirmed that his party will contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in alliance with the Congress, dismissing speculation of rifts within the INDIA bloc.
Speaking at a bhandara organized by a journalist association, Akhilesh said, "Samajwadi Party had, as part of the INDIA bloc, defeated the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. The same alliance will again defeat the BJP in the UP Assembly polls due early next year." The SP had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with the Congress as its alliance partner.
Speculation over the alliance's future had increased after some senior Congress leaders suggested avoiding a tie-up with the SP. The situation was further fueled by a few Congress leaders paying a "courtesy visit" to BSP supremo Mayawati. The SP camp responded by hinting it was ready to go solo if needed.
Akhilesh also attacked the BJP government in the state over poor health services, stating that primary health centers (PHCs) run by the government have been shut down, giving rise to private medical facilities. "There are nearly 70 PHCs in the chief minister's area, of which only six are operational. Treatment is not available in Gorakhpur," he said at the launch of news channel 'Nation 27'.
Regarding allegations of misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Akhilesh said the government had insulted the revered Shankaracharya Ji, referencing the recent face-off between Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and the UP government. "Those who have stolen the offerings will meet their end. All the fake saints will meet their end as well," he added.
AIMIM Unlikely to Join INDIA Bloc
On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav also dismissed the possibility of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) joining the opposition bloc, saying it is highly unlikely that the existing shape and form of the alliance will change. Responding to a question on AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's recent statement expressing openness to join hands with any political outfit to defeat the BJP, Akhilesh said, "The INDIA bloc that existed will continue to remain. We have just defeated the BJP. You should think about how such people have suddenly emerged. Many such forces will come and many people will try to benefit the BJP. The BJP has just lost. A defeated BJP will do whatever it can."
