Is alliance with SP a favourable move, ponder Congress leaders

With the Congress walking the extra mile to make its alliance with SP a success in Uttar Pradesh, a section of the leadership is wondering whether it is a prudent move.

A number of party leaders in Uttar Pradesh are already upset with the Congress ceding ground to the SP by entering into a pre-poll alliance, which they believe has affected the party’s growth prospects in the electorally crucial state.

These leaders had been upbeat with party vice president Rahul Gandhi's initiative to revive the organisation in the state by taking out a 30-day Kisan Yatra, which had helped create a buzz about the Congress.

“We have an alliance government in neighbouring Bihar. Do you even know the names of the four Congress ministers? Nobody talks about the Congress. The same thing will happen in Uttar Pradesh,” a senior leader said.

Another section was upset with the SP for ignoring Congress’ request for contesting all the 10 seats in Amethi and Raebareli constituencies, leading to “friendly fights” in four Assembly seats — Unchahar, Sareni, Gauriganj and Amethi. There are similar contests in 18 other seats across the state, including some constituencies where the candidates have ignored the Congress high command directive to withdraw from the fray in favour of SP leaders.

A senior leader said such friendly fights could confuse the voters and may not lead to transfer of votes between the two parties.