The decision has garnered praise from Akhilesh Yadav who publicly thanked Congress for its willingness to collaborate in the interest of the INDIA alliance
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The Congress party’s recent announcement to abstain from contesting the upcoming Uttar Pradesh by-elections has sparked a wave of criticism and praise, reflecting the complexities of the state’s political landscape. The decision, aimed at strengthening the opposition alliance against the ruling BJP, has been met with mixed reactions as the parties gear up for the crucial elections on November 13.
The Congress’s decision is part of a broader strategy to consolidate secular votes in Uttar Pradesh and avoid splitting the electorate. Political analysts suggest that this move is intended to bolster the Samajwadi Party (SP), enabling it to present a united front against the BJP in what many are calling a “semi-final” before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The Congress was offered two out of nine seats by the Samajwadi Party, but it opted not to field candidates in any constituency, a surprising manoeuvre that took both allies and opponents by surprise.
Congress leaders assert that their choice is driven by a desire to repay the “debt” of collaboration with Akhilesh Yadav, who previously refrained from fielding candidates in Haryana to support Congress. By stepping back in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress aims to strengthen the opposition alliance and maximise its chances against the BJP, which has dominated the state’s politics for years.
While some see this as a shrewd political calculation, others criticise Congress for what they perceive as a retreat from the electoral competition. Pro-BJP commentators have derided the decision as an admission of weakness, labelling it a way for Congress to evade a direct confrontation. Critics argue that by withdrawing, Congress is surrendering its influence and failing to challenge the BJP’s stronghold in a key state.
Conversely, supporters of the decision within the party believe it demonstrates a commitment to the broader goal of uniting secular forces against the BJP, ensuring that anti-BJP votes are not diluted. They emphasise that the choice to refrain from contesting is not a sign of weakness but a strategic effort to strengthen the opposition.
Several factors underpin Congress’s decision. Party leaders have indicated a strategic shift towards concentrating efforts on parliamentary seats in Maharashtra and Wayanad, with the latter being a significant stronghold for Congress’s Priyanka Gandhi. A potential victory in Maharashtra could bolster the party’s countrywide standing while increasing margins in Wayanad could convey a revitalised image of Congress.
Moreover, the party has historically struggled to secure significant wins in certain Uttar Pradesh constituencies, particularly Ghaziabad and Kehar, which have traditionally leaned towards the BJP. By not contesting in these seats, Congress aims to focus on areas where it has a better chance of success.
The decision has garnered praise from Akhilesh Yadav who publicly thanked Congress for its willingness to collaborate in the interest of the INDIA alliance. The Samajwadi Party has expressed confidence that this united front will yield significant results, possibly leading to electoral victories that could challenge the BJP’s dominance.