UP Congress In-Charge Slams Shivpal Yadav Over 50-Seat Cap, Pushes for October Deal

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-10-05 15:34:00

Tensions within the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh erupted into the open on Monday, October 5, 2026, as Congress state in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam launched a direct counter-offensive against Samajwadi Party (SP) veteran Shivpal Singh Yadav. Responding sharply to Shivpal Yadav’s public remark suggesting that the Congress should not expect more than 50 seats in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Gautam stated that if the SP is unwilling to offer fair accommodation, it should openly walk away from the coalition rather than make dismissive public statements. Gautam forcefully rejected claims that the Congress benefited solely from SP's voter base during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reminding alliance partners that Samajwadi Party’s surge from 5 seats in 2019 to 37 seats in 2024 was powered by Rahul Gandhi's nationwide ideological campaign and the collective credibility of the opposition front.

'Why Only 5 Seats in 2019?': Gautam Credits Rahul Gandhi for SP's 37-Seat Tally

Challenging the political narrative pushed by regional Samajwadi Party leaders, Gautam set the record straight on the 2024 general election arithmetic:

Direct Retort to Shivpal Yadav: Calling out unprovoked posturing, Gautam remarked, "Then he should refuse, he should clearly state that he does not want to form an alliance. At least the matter should be fair. What was the need for such a frivolous statement?"

The 2019 vs. 2024 Reality Check: Addressing claims that Congress rode on Samajwadi Party's coattails, Gautam questioned why the SP was restricted to just five parliamentary seats in 2019, pointing out that the jump to 37 Lok Sabha seats in 2024 was the direct fruit of a unified alliance strategy.

Impact of the Bharat Jodo Yatra: Gautam highlighted that Rahul Gandhi’s grueling 4,500-kilometer nationwide march connected directly with marginalized communities, laborers, farmers, mechanics, and porters, establishing a powerful anti-incumbency wave that benefited all alliance candidates across Uttar Pradesh.

Warning Against Political Complacency: He warned that if Akhilesh Yadav or his party leaders believe their 37-seat haul was achieved purely on their own without the broader INDIA bloc coalition, they are indulging in a serious political miscalculation.

Clarifying the Seat Math: Dismissing 150-Seat Claim While Seeking Equal Respect

Addressing conflicting reports regarding the Congress party's exact seat demands, Gautam outlined the official stance of the party high command:

150-Seat Claim Termed Inaccurate: The state in-charge dismissed media reports claiming Congress had officially demanded 150 seats, clarifying that no such specific number had been formally tabled by the party.

Demand for Equal Respect and Participation: Gautam emphasized that Congress expects dignified, proportional participation within the coalition rather than tokenism, asserting that elections are fought on party ideologies where Congress remains preeminent across India.

Flexibility for Victory: Affirming that the sole objective is defeating the ruling party to form the next state government, he stated that Congress is fully prepared to adopt a flexible, pragmatic approach through mutual give-and-take.

Decision Vested in Central Leadership: The final seat-sharing matrix will be resolved exclusively through direct discussions between the top leadership of both parties in New Delhi, rather than through unilateral posturing by regional leaders.

The October Deadline: Finalize Seat-Sharing Early to Maximize Campaign Prep

To prevent the administrative chaos of last-minute negotiations, Gautam laid down a clear operational timeline:

Finalization Within October: Gautam urged both the Samajwadi Party and Congress central commands to conclude all seat-sharing agreements within October 2026 itself.

Timely Ground Preparation: An early pact will give designated candidates sufficient lead time to establish booth committees, run outreach campaigns, and mobilize local workers well ahead of polling day.

Preventing Electoral Confusion: Streamlining the alliance formula before winter campaign tours will ensure that joint rallies and worker coordination can operate seamlessly across all 403 assembly constituencies.

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