Samajwadi crisis both dilemma and opportunity for Congress in Uttar Pradesh

NEW DELHI: The warring factions of SP have reached out to Congress to explore possibilities for tactical backing/electoral alliance. Both SP factions are in touch with the JD(U) leadership too and have revived the theme of a ‘grand alliance’ to ‘take on BJP’.

The feelers have presented Congress with a tricky situation as the politics within SP remains fluid. Congress also finds itself in a dilemma over its new-found utility, its hitherto calculations of going solo in the UP polls and the need to keep options open for an alliance with Mayawati’s BSP.

Party V-P Rahul Gandhi discussed the UP scenario with around 20 party MLAs. Some of them suggested that Congress should draw closer to Akhilesh while others advocated caution. A source said SP MP Naresh Agarwal reached out to important AICC functionaries, including general secretary in-charge Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday, even as Mulayam’s right-hand man Shivpal was slated to meet Azad late night.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh’s visit to Governor Ram Naik has made Congress leaders wonder if the CM was planning a surprise floor-test to checkmate party rivals.

In such a scenario, party may vote for CM to avoid President’s rule and keep BJP at bay. While sections in party argue in case SP splits, Akhilesh’s ‘clean image’ may present Congress a choice for partnership, they are countered by others who say Mulayam and Shivpal have an iron grip over SP and their faction was likely to fare better in polls.

Congress also doesn’t rule out the possibility of SP managing a cosmetic unity and calling for united fight against BJP in alliance with RLD, Congress and JD(U).

In such a scenario, Congress would be tempted to go for the grand alliance as its solo run has not evoked a good response.

Yet, it realises that SP’s anti-BJP front is a device to check SP’s exodus of Muslim voters. Also, an alliance with SP will see Congress sharing the antiincumbency burden of the Akhilesh government. Moving closer to SP closes the option of an alliance with BSP, although some Congress leaders hope the SP moves may prompt BSP to make a ‘counter offer’.