“Equal Respect and Share”: UP Congress Sets Stance for 2027
UP Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam demands equal respect and a larger seat share for the party in the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections.
The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh is making its intentions crystal clear ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Rajendra Pal Gautam, the Congress in-charge for the state, has asserted that the party must receive equal respect and an equal share in any alliance negotiations.
Speaking on the future of the INDIA bloc in the state, Gautam emphasized that the party's historical significance cannot be overlooked. He noted that the Congress is not just a participant but the country’s oldest and largest political entity, a fact that should dictate its standing in seat-sharing discussions.
Aiming for 200 Seats
Addressing rumors regarding the number of constituencies the party might contest, Gautam corrected previous statements. He revealed that his vision for the party's footprint is even larger than what was previously suggested.
“Who asked for 150 seats? I had actually spoken about 200. I have maintained from the very beginning that there must be equal respect and an equal share. After all, the Congress party is the country’s oldest and largest party,” Gautam stated.He further underscored the necessity of contesting to win, asking rhetorically, “We can only win if we get seats. We can only win if we contest the election. Does anyone ever win without fighting elections?”
Organizational Overhaul Underway
The party is not merely waiting for alliance talks; it is actively rebuilding its machinery on the ground. Gautam announced that a massive organizational restructuring is currently in progress to cover all 403 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh.
The timeline for this buildup is aggressive:
- District and City Units: Expected to be finalized by this Thursday.
- State-Level Body: Aiming for an announcement immediately following the district unit finalization.
- Grassroots Presence: The party claims to have already established a presence in every village across the state.
Flexibility within the INDIA Bloc
While standing firm on the principle of equality, Gautam highlighted the importance of the partnership between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) within the INDIA bloc. He described the relationship between the two primary partners as one of mutual responsibility and respect.
Regarding the complexities of negotiations, he offered a conciliatory tone, stating that the party is willing to be pragmatic to ensure the alliance's success. “When it comes to seat sharing, we are as flexible as the Constitution of India. If we have to bend a little, we will bend,” he remarked.
A Push for Early Settlement
The Congress leader expressed a strong desire to conclude seat-sharing talks as early as possible. His goal is to have the arrangement finalized within October, providing candidates with the necessary window to engage with voters and prepare their campaigns well in advance of the 2027 polls.