The Congress has started putting its house in order in Uttar Pradesh before alliance talks with Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party begins. No date has been set for the talks, but party insiders say it will begin after the Chhath Puja.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was also given charge of the state in 2017 — soon after she formally joined the party – has been asked to “look after” the state by Rahul Gandhi, sources said.
Her mandate includes overseeing the formation of the manifesto, campaign, and coordination committees, as well as organising four major rallies across the Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Awadh, and Western Uttar Pradesh regions. This list should comprise individuals capable of challenging the BJP while remaining aligned with the Congress party’s ideology. Priyanka Gandhi has now instructed Congress leaders in Uttar Pradesh – including those in charge, the state president, working presidents, and other office-bearers – to refrain from making unnecessary public statements. “And we will continue to play that role.
Perhaps her most critical task will be selecting candidates for 100-115 constituencies. Growing Congress-SP Synergy The Congress leadership is pleased with the manner in which the Samajwadi Party participated in the November 1 rally in Delhi, bringing a large number of its workers to the Ramlila Maidan.
This is precisely why Akhilesh Yadav was given considerable prominence at the rally, sources said. A senior Congress leader told NDTV that there will be no hurdles in forming an alliance with the SP for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, and the matter will be decided directly by Rahul Gandhi, his sister and Akhilesh Yadav. They have been told not to say anything that could negatively impact the potential alliance. The Congress will have to accept our terms,” they said.
