The Samajwadi Party’s (SP) decision to field candidates independently in Jharkhand and Maharashtra highlights a growing rift within the INDIA bloc alliance, as unresolved seat-sharing issues prompt the SP to pursue a solo strategy in several states.
This weekend, SP announced 21 candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand elections, marking a significant departure from its alliance expectations, with a similar stance taken in Maharashtra earlier. Initial discussions had aimed to allocate 12 seats to the SP within the alliance framework, but as talks stalled, SP proceeded with its own candidates.
The move underscores the alliance's internal friction, revealing SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's shift toward an “ekla chalo re” or “go it alone” policy as the party seeks to expand its influence beyond Uttar Pradesh. SP’s determination to strengthen its foothold in other states—even without the alliance's backing—reflects a broader trend of regional parties asserting independence when alliances fail to meet expectations.
Recent setbacks underscore the difficulty the INDIA bloc faces in maintaining cohesion. Although SP gained traction in the last Lok Sabha elections as the third-largest party and a key INDIA bloc member, it has repeatedly clashed with Congress over seat allocations. Political analyst Nomita P. Kumar from the Giri Institute of Development Studies notes, “The INDIA bloc, unlike the NDA, struggles with inter-party tensions due to overlapping voter bases and differing political priorities among allies.”
The tension was particularly visible in the by-elections for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, where Congress and SP could not agree on a seat-sharing arrangement. Congress eventually opted out, leading Akhilesh Yadav to remark that “no one makes sacrifices in politics,” pointing to a more strategic, interest-based decision-making process among alliance members. This sentiment extended to Maharashtra, where SP fielded candidates for 10 seats after the Congress-led Mahavikas Aghadi did not accommodate its seat request.
SP leaders, frustrated with what they perceive as inadequate respect from the alliance, cited their organisational demands as justification for independent candidacies in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Vyasji Gond, SP’s Jharkhand state in-charge, voiced disappointment, warning of possible scenarios similar to those in Madhya Pradesh, where SP also contested independently after being sidelined.
“SP had won two seats in the last assembly elections of Maharashtra. This time, SP candidates have filed their nominations on 10 seats including these two. If SP fielded its candidates, the votes of Muslims and people from UP living there may get divided. This may cause loss to the alliance candidates if the victory or defeat is decided by a low margin,” says Manoj Pasilkar, a Mumbai-based journalist.
The seat-sharing standoff reveals deeper structural challenges within the INDIA bloc. For Congress, balancing its own interests while curbing allies' expansion remains a delicate act. Congress’s recent move to sideline the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Haryana, despite initial alliance efforts in Gujarat, signals a more cautious stance that prioritizes protecting its base, even at the expense of short-term ally discontent. Similarly, Congress’s alliance dynamics in Jharkhand led it to bypass the RJD in favor of its traditional partner, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Historically, INDIA bloc parties such as SP, RJD, JDU, JMM, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), TMC, and AAP, have maintained distinct identities, often evolving as Congress rivals. Many INDIA bloc members, while willing to partner on a national level, are reluctant to bolster Congress’s presence regionally. This tension was evident in Madhya Pradesh, where Congress denied SP seats, prompting it to contest independently.
SP-Congress past relation
The relationship between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress has been marked by considerable fluctuations over the years. In the 2017 UP assembly elections, the two parties formed an alliance, but internal competition hindered their success—Congress contested 114 seats and won only 7, while SP fielded candidates in 311 seats, winning 47. By 2022, SP had shifted its focus to align with smaller regional parties like the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), and Apna Dal Kamerawadi, collectively winning 125 seats. However, the post-election period saw RLD and SBSP switching allegiance to the BJP, underscoring the instability of alliances in UP.
Despite these challenges, SP joined the INDIA bloc in 2024 and collaborated with Congress in Uttar Pradesh, achieving an unexpected victory by securing 43 of the state’s 80 Lok Sabha seats. Yet, recent seat-sharing disputes in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Jammu and Kashmir indicate persistent tensions within the INDIA alliance, as member parties strive to protect and expand their regional influence.
Looking ahead, the INDIA bloc’s unity will likely face continued tests as state elections approach, particularly as individual parties seek to maximize their regional influence. For Congress and its allies, maintaining balance between collective goals and individual ambitions could prove challenging, as parties jockey for political ground and strategize to protect their voter bases.
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