As the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh heats up, the opposition INDIA alliance has strategically decided to field all its candidates for the upcoming by-elections under the Samajwadi Party’s iconic ‘cycle’ symbol. This move, confirmed by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, signals a united front among the opposition parties, primarily focusing on winning the elections rather than engaging in seat-sharing negotiations.
With by-polls slated for November, the INDIA bloc is preparing for a significant electoral battle, emphasizing collaboration and shared goals to secure crucial victories in the state.
Akhilesh Yadav emphasizes winning over seat-sharing arrangements
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has announced that candidates from the INDIA alliance will participate in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh by-elections under the Samajwadi Party’s ‘cycle’ symbol. This strategy, Yadav stated, prioritizes securing a victory over any predetermined seat-sharing deals.
INDIA Bloc’s Unity and Shared Vision
Akhilesh Yadav, the Lok Sabha MP representing Kannauj, stressed that the decision made by the alliance was based on the objective of winning the elections, not dividing seats among parties. He further explained that Congress and the Samajwadi Party are fully aligned and working together toward a significant victory. Yadav expressed optimism, saying, “The INDIA alliance is about to create a new success story in this by-election,” through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
He also highlighted the enthusiasm of the alliance’s workers, noting that this collaboration has reinvigorated them. “With this unmatched solidarity and support, every worker from the INDIA bloc contesting on all nine assembly seats is filled with renewed determination to secure a win,” Yadav remarked.
Focus on Protecting Democratic Values
Akhilesh Yadav also pointed out that the focus of the by-elections goes beyond winning seats—it is about defending the Constitution, maintaining peace, and ensuring the dignity of marginalized communities such as backward classes, Dalits, and minorities. The upcoming election represents a broader effort to stand up for these principles.
Key Details of the Upcoming Bypolls
The by-elections are set to take place on November 13, covering nine assembly seats, including:
- Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar)
- Karhal (Mainpuri)
- Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar)
- Ghaziabad
- Majhawan (Mirzapur)
- Sishamau (Kanpur)
- Khair (Aligarh)
- Phulpur (Prayagraj)
- Kundarki (Moradabad)
Eight of these seats were vacated after their respective Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) were elected to the Lok Sabha. In contrast, the Sishamau seat became vacant after Samajwadi Party MLA Irfan Solanki was disqualified following his conviction in a criminal case.
Seat Sharing Between Congress and Samajwadi Party
Initially, Congress had expressed interest in contesting five out of the ten available seats, including Milkipur. However, after negotiations, the Samajwadi Party announced that the Congress agreed to contest only two seats: Ghaziabad and Khair (Aligarh). The remaining seats have been allocated to the Samajwadi Party.
The Election Commission of India has scheduled by-elections for nine seats, excluding Milkipur (Ayodhya). Candidates have until October 25 to submit their nominations. The Samajwadi Party has already declared its candidates for key constituencies, including Karhal, Sisamau, Phulpur, Milkipur, Katehari, Majahawan, and Meerapur.
Timeline and Vote Counting
The by-poll results are scheduled to be counted on November 23, determining the outcome for these key seats in Uttar Pradesh.
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