Congress eyes 125–140 seats from Samajwadi Party as Uttar Pradesh election drama builds

Samajwadi Party manifesto release

The Samajwadi Party (SP) announced that its "Jan‑Man Manifesto" will be released on 26 November 2026, deliberately timed with Constitution Day. Party president Akhilesh Yadav said the document will focus on women, backward classes, Scheduled Castes, minorities and other marginalised groups. Former UP chief secretary Alok Ranjan, who has worked closely with the SP on policy, added that the manifesto will be followed by region‑specific addenda in the weeks ahead. SP spokesperson Nasser Salim framed the launch as a reaffirmation of the Constitution’s values.

Congress seeks a big seat share from SP

Against this backdrop, the Congress party is already mapping its alliance strategy. Party leaders, with Priyanka Gandhi steering the effort, are reportedly looking to secure between 125 and 140 seats from the SP for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. The target range, disclosed by the India Today video desk, reflects Congress’s aim to position itself as a key partner while maintaining a broad national footprint.

Amit Shah's Punjab visit heightens political stakes

The political atmosphere in the north is further charged by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent trip to Punjab. Making his second visit in twenty days, Shah met families of drug‑related victims and accused the AAP‑led state government of fostering a drug crisis. He pledged to eliminate the drug trade in Punjab by 31 December 2029. The move sparked sharp rebuttals from the Congress, which warned that the central government shares responsibility for cross‑border smuggling, and from the AAP, which called Shah’s remarks politicised.

Delhi court extends custody of CGP leaders

In Delhi, a court extended the judicial custody of CGP leaders Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka by two days, until 21 October. The extension follows allegations that the duo breached peace bonds and posed a risk to public tranquility. CGP founder Abhijit Dipke denounced the proceedings as an attempt to silence dissent.

Fourth accused arrested in Tiger Shroff shooting case

Law‑enforcement agencies also announced the arrest of a fourth suspect, identified only as Sameer, in connection with the shooting attack on actor Tiger Shroff's car. Sameer is alleged to have linked the shooters to a California‑based associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The case, which already saw three shooters detained at Kota railway station, continues to unfold across Haryana and Maharashtra.

Overall, the convergence of a manifesto launch, alliance negotiations and high‑profile security actions underscores the intense preparation ahead of Uttar Pradesh’s 2027 elections, a contest that will shape the political landscape for years to come.