SAMAJWADIS OFFER ONE SEAT TO CONGRESS FOR UP BYPOLL

A Samajwadi Party source claims Congress lacks voter strength in Uttar Pradesh and doesn't deserve any seats, but Akhilesh Yadav is offering one as a gesture. If Congress declines, SP will contest all seats independently.

- TIKAM SHARMA

NEW DELHI Following their strong performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the SP-Congress alliance won 43 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, optimism was high. However, cracks have begun to emerge in the alliance ahead of the upcoming by-elections for 10 assembly seats. Congress is demanding three seats, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) is only offering one-the Ghaziabad seat.

A source within SP revealed that Congress lacks a significant voter base in UP, claiming the party doesn't deserve any seats but is being offered one as an act of mercy by Akhilesh Yadav. If Congress refuses, SP is prepared to contest all the seats independently.