Shiv Pal Singh Patel, the Pratapgarh MP, slammed Congress for its perceived weakness, claiming that Rahul Gandhi’s reluctance to contest Amethi left the party dependent on the Samajwadi Party‑Congress pact to secure six seats in Uttar Pradesh. He said the fear was so intense that the national president had to persuade Gandhi to run from Raebareli instead.
The 2024 Lok Sabha results, announced in Lucknow, saw the Samajwadi Party clinch 37 of the state’s 80 seats while Congress captured only six, a stark contrast to the BJP’s 33 seats and the NDA’s 36. The alliance’s contribution was credited as the lifeline for Congress’s modest tally.
In a swift reply, Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi called on the SP to rein in its members after Patel’s comments, warning that such remarks could fracture the INDIA bloc. "The Samajwadi Party must work to rein in leaders who make such statements," she said.
Patel warned that if Congress were to leave the alliance, it could lose all its seats, describing the party as a vote‑spoiler when fielded alone. The exchange underscores the fragile nature of the partnership as the next election cycle looms.
With the alliance’s future hanging in balance, both parties face pressure to control rhetoric. Congress’s call for restraint could force the Samajwadi Party to temper its criticism, or risk a split that might cost it crucial seats.