Will join Rahul's yatra only if seat-sharing finalised, says Akhilesh

Last year, several opposition parties joined forces to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the Congress and its alliance partners have encountered obstacles in their seat-sharing discussions. It remains uncertain whether the INDIA bloc will contest the 2024 polls together.

Adding to the Congress's challenges, the Samajwadi Party has imposed a tough condition for extending support in Uttar Pradesh. Sources reveal that Samajwadi has proposed allowing Congress to contest on only 15 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Congress secured victory in just one seat in the state, Raebareli.

In the previous elections, Samajwadi refrained from contesting in Amethi and Rae Bareli out of respect for the Congress. However, this time, the party is firm on offering only 15 seats to Congress and insists that Congress cannot contest on any additional seats if the alliance remains intact. The decision now rests with Congress, and their response is eagerly awaited.

Akhilesh Yadav's participation in the ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Congress President Rahul Gandhi, is contingent upon Congress's acceptance of the offer. "We have had several rounds of discussions, exchanged many lists. When the seat-sharing is finalized, Samajwadi Party will participate in their Nyay yatra," stated Mr. Yadav.

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, currently in its 37th day, has been a focal point for opposition unity against the ruling BJP. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are scheduled to address a public rally in Babuganj. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, expressed optimism about Akhilesh Yadav's participation in the Yatra.

In addition to facing setbacks from Mamata Banerjee in Bengal and AAP's Bhagwant Mann in Punjab regarding seat sharing, the Congress was also rebuffed by NItish Kumar, who recently took oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the ninth time, forming an alliance government with the BJP.

Given these challenges, it is crucial for Congress to maintain the support of the Samajwadi Party. Sources within the Samajwadi Party suggest that the party may consider breaking away from the INDIA bloc if Congress demands more seats than the 15 offered.