Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged the Uttar Pradesh Congress leadership to focus on winnable seats instead of total numbers ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. She said that quality, not quantity, would determine the party's electoral prospects.
The meeting, held on Monday in Lucknow, brought together state chief Aradhana Mishra, working president Imran Masood and in‑charge Rajendra Pal Gautam. Gandhi stressed that the 403‑seat assembly should be contested by candidates who have a realistic chance of winning.
Congress's stance contrasts with the Samajwadi Party's insistence on a 150‑seat share, which Gautam criticised as ‘inadequate’. He said Congress could contest 200 seats, arguing for an equal share to reflect its organisational strength.
The alliance talks are further complicated by the SP's demand that seats be allocated on the basis of winnability, a view echoed by Akhilesh Yadav, who said the partnership that toppled the BJP in 2022 will continue.
Congress plans to submit a finalized seat‑sharing proposal to the Samajwadi Party by the end of October, giving candidates time to prepare for the campaign.