Akhilesh Yadav skips INDIA bloc meet; Congress, Trinamool leaders play down absence

Kolkata: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s absence from the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday drew attention amid discussions over the opposition alliance’s unity, with Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy and Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam saying the SP leader had prior commitments.

Asked about Yadav not attending the meeting, Roy said the SP chief had already informed the alliance about his plans to remain in Lucknow.

“Yes, we know that. Akhilesh Yadav had already informed us that he would be in Lucknow today to submit Ram Gopal Yadav’s nomination,” Roy told IANS.

Calling the meeting a positive initiative, the Trinamool MP added, “It is an effort to organise an INDI Alliance meeting at short notice, which is a good thing.”

Congress leader Rajendra Pal Gautam said the decision on whether to attend the meeting or send a representative rested with Yadav, while stressing that his party remained committed to strengthening the opposition alliance.

“This is for Akhilesh Yadav to see, what is the importance of the INDIA bloc and how much importance to give to it. Whether he attends or sends his representative, that is his prerogative,” Gautam said.

“Our prerogative is that the INDI Alliance remains strong, the country’s democracy and Constitution are protected, and respect is given to all parties in the alliance, which we are giving,” he added.

Yadav’s absence comes at a time when questions are being raised about the relationship between the Samajwadi Party and the Congress ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The two parties are yet to reach an agreement on seat-sharing for the polls, adding to speculation about the future of their electoral understanding in the state.

The Samajwadi Party and Congress had joined hands for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh as part of the INDIA bloc, with the alliance putting up a joint electoral challenge to the BJP. Their coordination for the upcoming Assembly polls is now being closely watched as both parties prepare for the next electoral contest.

The INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi is being held to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the Election Commission. Leaders of several constituent parties are attending the meeting and discussing a coordinated political response to the issue.

IANS