‘SP can’t decide what seats we contest… In LS polls, we got 17 seats (of UP’s 80). This won’t work. The votes were in Rahul Gandhi’s name’: Congress MP Imran Masood

Congress Feels Shortchanged in UP

Masood directly questioned the seat-sharing agreement, where the Congress contested just 17 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh. “This formula won’t work,” he said bluntly. “We didn’t get a fair share. We need to fight elections on equal footing, not as a symbolic participant.”

By voicing this concern, Masood underscored a critical issue: Congress wants meaningful involvement in UP, not token representation. Several party leaders believe they deserved more seats, especially after Congress showed signs of revival in key regions of the state.

Rahul Gandhi’s Name Drove Voter Support

Masood credited Rahul Gandhi for the support Congress received in Uttar Pradesh. He argued that many people voted for the Congress because they believed in Gandhi’s leadership, not because of the alliance. “The votes came in Rahul Gandhi’s name,” Masood insisted, calling on allies to recognize his rising influence.

Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra re-energized the party’s base and helped reconnect with ordinary citizens. His consistent messaging on unemployment, inflation, and constitutional values struck a chord with voters across the state. Gandhi’s presence on the ground built emotional resonance and trust among the electorate—something Masood believes the alliance underestimated.

Cracks Within the INDIA Bloc

Masood’s comments reflect deeper tensions within the INDIA alliance. Formed to unite opposition forces against the BJP, the coalition brought together parties with competing ambitions and regional strongholds. While it made a strong debut, its internal coordination—especially on seat-sharing—has remained shaky.

In states like UP, SP holds a dominant position among OBC and Muslim voters, and naturally demanded a larger share of seats. But Congress, though weaker on paper, feels it is being squeezed out unfairly. Masood’s outburst gave voice to this growing dissatisfaction, and he may not be the only Congress leader with such views.

Many in Congress argue that the party has historical roots and untapped potential in UP, and that SP should treat it as a genuine partner. Without that respect and cooperation, they fear the alliance will collapse under its own weight.

The Congress Rebuilds in Uttar Pradesh

Though its electoral strength has diminished, Congress still holds symbolic and historical importance in UP. The Nehru-Gandhi family called the state home for decades, and the party once dominated its political landscape. Today, Congress is working to rebuild from the ground up—with leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra taking charge and Rahul Gandhi rebranding the party’s image through sustained public outreach.

Masood, a prominent Muslim leader from western UP, believes Congress is regaining trust among critical voter groups. He urged the party to stand firm during negotiations with allies. “We must stop accepting crumbs. Our workers and supporters deserve better,” he said.

His statement may also signal Congress’s desire to contest more seats independently in future elections unless its role in the alliance becomes more equitable.

Alliance Needs Course Correction

Masood’s remarks raise a broader question: can the INDIA bloc function effectively if its major partners don’t feel equally valued? For an alliance to succeed, trust and fairness must drive decisions—not just electoral calculations. The leadership must balance regional dominance with national aspirations to present a united front.

So far, the bloc has lacked a centralized strategy. In many states, partners negotiated in silos, leading to confusion and resentment. Critics argue that the alliance failed to capitalize on its combined strength because it couldn’t coordinate campaigns or messaging effectively.

If it wants to challenge the BJP in future elections, especially in 2029, the bloc must fix these flaws. Leaders will need to set up transparent seat-sharing frameworks, promote joint campaigns, and build internal mechanisms that prevent conflict before it spills into the media.

How the SP Might Respond

Though SP leaders have not officially responded to Masood’s criticism, they likely view it seriously. SP’s strategy hinges on uniting backward castes and Muslim voters while expanding its influence among youth and farmers. Maintaining good relations with allies remains key to that mission.

If Congress continues to express dissatisfaction, the SP may feel pressure to reevaluate its approach. Public rifts within the alliance could damage its credibility among voters and play into the BJP’s hands.

Analysts believe the SP might open back-channel talks to pacify Congress, especially if more leaders echo Masood’s concerns. After all, the INDIA bloc can’t afford to alienate any major partner if it wants to remain relevant.

A Warning Sign for the Future

Masood’s criticism serves as more than just internal party chatter—it’s a warning sign for the opposition. If key allies feel ignored or disrespected, the INDIA bloc could unravel. The BJP has thrived, in part, because of its ability to maintain discipline and unity across states. The opposition must learn from that example.

Political analysts see Masood’s remarks as part of a growing push within Congress to assert itself more aggressively. After years of decline, the party wants to reclaim its status—not just as a supporting actor, but as a leading force in national politics.

To achieve that, Congress will need to keep building on its grassroots work, invest in strong local candidates, and negotiate from a position of confidence. At the same time, it must avoid turning alliance politics into public spectacles, which risk voter fatigue and confusion.

Conclusion: Realignment or Rupture?

Imran Masood’s bold statement may have stirred controversy, but it also brought vital issues to the surface. The INDIA bloc faces a critical juncture: either it reforms itself into a more democratic, inclusive alliance—or it continues to struggle with mistrust and mismanagement.

Congress, having shown signs of revival, now seeks a fairer share of responsibilities and recognition. SP, as a powerful regional player, must decide whether to accommodate this or risk weakening the alliance from within.

The path forward depends on how quickly the INDIA bloc can correct its course and project unity in both action and intent. As Masood rightly pointed out, no alliance can thrive if one partner feels sidelined—especially in a state as crucial as Uttar Pradesh.