Behind Two Allies, One Maurya Problem: The Congress-Samajwadi Party Divide In Uttar Pradesh

The political equation between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav was among the talking points at the INDIA bloc rally against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1.

With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027, the relationship between the two parties assumes significance, particularly after their alliance put up a strong performance against the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

However, differences over former SP leader Swami Prasad Maurya have brought fresh strains to the relationship. While Akhilesh Yadav has ruled out Maurya's inclusion in the alliance, Congress leaders have continued to engage with him, bringing the differences between the two parties into focus even before a formal alliance for the 2027 polls has been announced.

The latest disagreement comes after an earlier exchange of remarks over seat-sharing. Congress leaders had spoken about the number of seats they expected to contest, prompting a response from the SP. Following reports of Akhilesh Yadav's displeasure with Rahul Gandhi over these statements, Congress leaders have largely refrained from making public comments on seat-sharing. The differences have now shifted to Maurya.

Congress Continues To Engage With Maurya

Despite the SP chief's objections, Congress leaders have continued to engage with Maurya. The former SP leader recently met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi with the help of Congress's Uttar Pradesh in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam.

On November 2, Gautam met Maurya again. Sharing a photograph of the meeting on social media, Maurya said they had discussed the strategy for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Defending the meeting, Gautam said he would continue to meet people with whom he had worked for years on issues of social justice. Responding to questions about Akhilesh Yadav's displeasure, he said he could not give up his social engagements simply because someone was unhappy with them.

He added that discussions on seat-sharing would take place closer to the elections. Gautam also pointed out that Maurya had previously been part of the SP and said any differences between him and Yadav were for the two leaders to resolve among themselves.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Aradhana Misra-Mona had earlier said that the INDIA bloc was formed by the national leadership of its constituent parties in Delhi, rather than at the state level. Decisions on who would be part of the alliance would be taken by the senior leadership, she added.

The Congress's continued engagement with Maurya, despite objections from the SP leadership, has brought the differences between the two allies into sharper focus.

Why Is Akhilesh Yadav Opposed To Swami Prasad Maurya?

Asked in Lucknow whether Maurya would be part of the alliance, Akhilesh Yadav ruled out the possibility and dismissed speculation about his political future.

"People unnecessarily start such debates. Ignore these things. It is better to remain silent on the matter," Yadav said. Responding to another question, he added that Maurya would not figure in the party's seat-sharing calculations.

Maurya responded without directly naming the SP chief. Taking a swipe at Yadav, he said a party whose national president was himself confused, sometimes describing 'D' as Dalit and at other times as Dimple Yadav, could hardly provide direction to the party, state or country.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav has indicated that he is looking to bring back his former ally Pallavi Patel, apparently as an alternative political arrangement.

Maurya's Political Journey

Born in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district, 72-year-old Swami Prasad Maurya entered active politics in 1980 after studying at Allahabad University.

He joined the BSP in 1996, became its state general secretary and was elected MLA from Dalmau in Rae Bareli. A four-time legislator, Maurya served as a minister in the Mayawati government and became the BSP's Uttar Pradesh president in 2008.

In 2016, he left the BSP and joined the BJP, becoming a Cabinet minister in the first Yogi Adityanath government. He joined the SP in 2022 but quit in January 2024 to form his own political outfit.