UP Bypolls: Congress To Support SP, Not To Field Candidates

The Congress has decided not to field any candidate in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh bypolls and decided to support the Samajwadi Party candidates.

Congress in-charge Avinash Pandey on Thursday said, "The Congress has decided not to field candidates in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh bypolls and has announced its support for the Samajwadi Party (SP) in UP." He added, "This press conference is an important notice for Uttar Pradesh, that has been the centre of attention in the country's politics. This is also regarding the role of Congress in the by-elections to be held there."

He then accused the BJP of trying to weaken the constitution to serve its political interests and divide and break the brotherhood in society. He added, "In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the people of UP gave a befitting reply to them. Today, with values to protect and save the Constitution, Rahul Gandhi is touring the country and working to give justice to every section of society."

The constituencies heading to the polls include Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Karhal, Phulpur, and Katehari. Voting is scheduled for November 13, with the counting of votes set for November 23.

"Keeping the same values in mind, as per the suggestion of the President of the UP Congress Committee and all the senior leaders there and after taking consent from the Congress President, we have decided that the Congress Party will not field its candidates in UP," Pandey added.

The Congress leader claimed that the INDIA bloc candidates wills stay united and back the Samajwadi Party candidates.

Congress leader Surendra Rajput affirmed that the alliance's primary goal is to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating, "For us, the symbol is secondary. What's crucial is ending the BJP's misgovernance and bringing justice to the victims of the Bahraich riots. Our focus is on ensuring peace, security, and upholding the Constitution."

He added that the INDIA Alliance stands united against those opposing the caste census and reservation, and expressed confidence in contesting and winning all nine seats. Rajput highlighted Akhilesh Yadav's generous approach in Haryana as a model for cooperation, saying they would approach the Uttar Pradesh by-polls with the same spirit.

Akhilesh Yadav also urged voters to remain united and avoid splitting their votes. As of Wednesday, a total of 34 candidates had filed nominations for the by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, with 15 filing on Tuesday. The deadline for nominations is October 25.