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High Command to Decide Alliance Fate Amid Seat Deadlock
New Delhi, Oct 4 — Amid an ongoing deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) regarding seat-sharing in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, newly appointed state Congress president Aradhana Mishra affirmed that the final decision rests with the party's national leadership.
Mishra stated that the INDIA bloc was formed at the national level and that decisions concerning alliances at both state and central levels are decided by national leadership. She emphasized that the alliance structure does not operate independently at the state level, noting that national leaders from all participating parties came together on a single platform to establish the coalition.
"I would like to reiterate that the INDI Alliance does not form alliances at the state level; it is formed at the national level," Mishra told IANS. "Whatever decisions are taken, whether for the states or at the Centre, regarding the alliance will be decided by the national leadership."
The remarks come as negotiations between the Congress and the SP remain stalled over the distribution of constituencies in India's most populous state. While local leaders have expressed concerns about the parity of seat allocation, Mishra clarified that the state unit does not hold the authority to unilaterally alter or terminate the alliance framework.
Despite the tensions, Mishra reaffirmed Congress's commitment to the INDIA bloc. She stated that the party's primary goal remains the removal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in 2027 and the formation of an alliance government. The Congress leadership continues to view the coalition as essential to challenging the BJP's dominance in Uttar Pradesh.
Allegations Against Electoral Roll Revision Process
In addition to alliance matters, Mishra raised concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway. She alleged that the process has led to the deletion of a large number of names from voter lists and demanded that the exercise be stopped immediately.
Mishra cited allegations made by two members of the three-member Election Commission against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding the SIR exercise. These internal dissenting voices within the commission have reportedly questioned the methodology and transparency of the revision process.
The Congress leader argued that the mass deletions threaten the integrity of the electoral rolls, potentially disenfranchising eligible voters. She called for an immediate halt to the revision until the concerns raised by the dissenting commissioners are addressed.
Parallel Drawn to Historical Movements
Mishra also drew a parallel between Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha against British rule and Rahul Gandhi’s current Satyagraha movement. She claimed that the country's democracy and Constitution are under threat, framing the current political climate as a critical juncture for democratic institutions.
The comparison was used to underscore the seriousness of the Congress party's stance on what it perceives as systemic challenges to democratic norms. Mishra did not specify further details regarding the nature of these threats beyond the general assertion regarding the Constitution and democracy.
As the 2027 Assembly elections approach, the resolution of the seat-sharing deadlock between the Congress and the SP remains a key focus for opposition strategists in Uttar Pradesh. The high command's eventual decision on the alliance framework will determine the opposition's strategy in the state's crucial political battleground.
Mishra's statements reflect the tension between maintaining national coalition unity and addressing local grievances over seat distribution. The Congress party continues to monitor the situation closely as negotiations with the SP persist without a public resolution.
