In a development that may bolster unity in the opposition alliance of INDIA, the Congress Party has decided not to contest the Uttar Pradesh by-polls. After the talks with the leaders of the main opposition party in the state, the grand old party declared not to field candidates for the nine assembly seats. It said that it would support INDIA bloc nominees. The Congress also asserted that the decision was taken to prioritise efforts to protect the Constitution over party interests.

By-polls In UP

Bypolls would be held in Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad).

Congress: Decision To Save Constitution

At a joint Press conference with Congress’ Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai, Congress General Secretary in-charge of UP Avinash Pande described how political and social tensions were rising in UP and the country and keeping in mind the objectives with which the INDIA bloc was created, the party decided to save the Constitution and to strengthen mutual harmony instead of strengthening the party.

The announcement of the Congress came hours after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took to social media platform X late that INDIA bloc candidates for the UP by-polls would contest on his party’s election symbol, ‘cycle.’

The UP satrap wrote that the Congress and Samajwadi Party are united and standing shoulder to shoulder for a big victory. He also emphasised that INDIA Alliance is going to write a new chapter of victory in this by-election.

SP Offers 2 Seats To Congress

Earlier, the Samajwadi Party offered to leave Ghaziabad and Khair seats for the Congress. However, the grand old party was miffed at the offer. On the other hand, SP leaders pointed out the party agreed to give a third seat after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to Akhilesh Yadav. However, the Akhilesh Yadav-led party refused to leave the Majhawan seat for the Congress. Irritated at this, the grand old party decided not to contest the by-polls.