In the latest political development, hopes for an alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Madhya Pradesh have hit an impasse. Despite initial negotiations, the parties failed to reach a consensus, resulting in both parties independently announcing their candidates for several key seats, intensifying the rift between the allies.
The specific constituencies of contention include Chitrangi, Mehgaon, Bhander, and Rajnagar, which have been a focal point in the recent disagreements. While the Congress has made its stand clear by announcing candidates for four out of the seven disputed seats, the SP responded swiftly by releasing a list of nine additional candidates, signifying a deepening of the divide.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the turn of events, SP’s state president for Madhya Pradesh, Ramayan Singh Patel, affirmed that all prospects of an alliance with the Congress have now dissipated. Patel asserted that the SP is prepared to contest the upcoming elections independently and is confident of making a significant impact in the state’s political landscape.
Internal sources within the SP have also voiced concerns about the Congress’ seemingly disinterested stance in countering the BJP. According to a senior SP leader, talks with the Congress leadership did not yield favorable results, with the Congress allegedly displaying reluctance towards forming an alliance solely to counter the BJP. This perceived lack of commitment from the Congress has sparked disillusionment within the SP ranks.
A particular bone of contention arose in Bijawar, where the Congress’ decision to field Charan Singh Yadav, a relative of senior SP leader Deep Narayan Yadav, aggravated existing tensions. The SP’s leadership was reportedly hurt by this move, further exacerbating the strain in the relationship between the two parties.
Amidst the brewing discord, the SP is contemplating fielding around 30-35 candidates in total for the Madhya Pradesh elections, a strategy indicative of its determination to establish a strong foothold in the state’s political sphere.
It is noteworthy that the SP’s political maneuvers extend beyond Madhya Pradesh, as the party is also considering a substantial presence in Chhattisgarh’s upcoming elections, with plans to contest 40 out of the state’s 90 constituencies. This strategic move is believed to potentially influence negotiations in its favor for the crucial Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, where the party holds considerable influence.
