On June 1, major political parties in India will gather in Delhi for a crucial meeting to prepare a future action plan. This meeting follows a history of fluctuating alliances, notably between Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the SP and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which faced challenges post-elections.
In the 2017 assembly elections, Congress and SP formed an alliance, but the results fell short of expectations, leading to a quick dissolution of the partnership. Leaders from both parties exchanged sharp criticisms thereafter. Similarly, the SP and BSP teamed up for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, but the SP’s performance was underwhelming, sparking a cold war between BSP supremo Mayawati and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.
These historical tensions raise questions about the future of the SP-Congress relationship in Uttar Pradesh. According to Prof. Sanjay Gupta from Lucknow University, who is surveying voters in Purvanchal, the longevity of the SP-Congress alliance will largely depend on election results. He believes that this time the alliance might be more stable. Former JNU professor and social activist Dr. Arshad Alam adds that the social bases of Congress and SP do not conflict, potentially supporting a long-lasting alliance.
Despite these hopes, prominent BJP leaders assert that the opposition alliance will disintegrate post-election. However, sources within the India Alliance indicate that Congress aims to maintain good relations with its electoral partners. The upcoming meeting will focus not only on government formation possibilities but also on strengthening mutual relations to prepare for sustained opposition against the BJP.
This meeting in Delhi signifies a strategic move for opposition parties, aiming to fortify their alliances and prepare for future electoral battles.
