Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has affirmed that the INDIA bloc remains united and that his party will contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh (UP) Assembly elections as part of the opposition alliance. This statement comes amid speculation about potential rifts within the coalition, particularly concerning seat-sharing arrangements and differing opinions among member parties.

Yadav addressed reporters, stating firmly that the INDIA alliance is intact and that the SP remains committed to it. He dismissed concerns arising from recent statements by Congress MP Imran Masood, who had reportedly said that his party would not "beg" for seats from the SP. Yadav asserted that those who wish to leave the INDIA alliance are free to do so, but the SP will continue to work within the coalition.

The SP president also announced that his party is fully prepared for the upcoming panchayat polls, which are expected to be held in the state early next year. This indicates the SP's intention to strengthen its grassroots presence and mobilize support ahead of the crucial 2027 Assembly elections.

Attacking the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Yadav alleged that the party is hiring consultants and strategizing to manipulate the upcoming elections. He specifically pointed to the BJP's plans to increase the number of gram panchayats, which he believes is an attempt to disrupt the SP's vote base.

Yadav also addressed the PDA (Pichhda, Dalits, Alpasankhyak) formula, emphasizing that it is not merely a political calculation but an "emotional alliance" of those who are victimized, sad, and insulted. He expressed satisfaction that people from the Pasmanda community are also part of the PDA, highlighting the SP's commitment to inclusivity and social justice.

The SP-Congress alliance in UP delivered a remarkable performance in the 2024 parliamentary elections, winning a total of 43 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The SP won 37 seats, while the Congress secured 6 seats, significantly reducing the BJP's tally.

Meanwhile, the Congress party is also focused on strengthening its organization in Uttar Pradesh. The party is undertaking a month-long campaign across all 75 districts to rebuild its grassroots presence. While the Congress is preparing to contest the panchayat polls in 2026, a year ahead of the 2027 polls, the party anticipates forming a "respectful and suitable" alliance, likely within the INDIA bloc, to challenge the BJP.

Avinash Pande, Congress general secretary and Uttar Pradesh in-charge, stated that the party is open to a "respectful and suitable alliance" in UP but is also focused on rebuilding its strength on the ground. He emphasized the Congress's historical relevance and ideological closeness to the common Indian psyche.

The INDIA bloc, comprising several political parties, aims to provide a strong opposition to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. In the 2024 general election, the alliance won 234 seats, gaining more than 100 seats compared to its pre-dissolution strength.