Tug of war between SP-Congress over seats in UP by-election, SP fielded 20 candidates in Jammu and Kashmir
The dates for by-elections on 10 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh are awaited, but the stir has intensified regarding seat sharing between Congress and Samajwadi Party. Congress has demanded five seats while SP has announced to field its candidates on 6 seats. On the other hand, Samajwadi Party has expressed its intention to expand by announcing the names of 20 candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.
INDC Network: Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir : Elections: The dates for by-elections on 10 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh have not been announced yet, but despite this, political parties have started to get busy. Especially the tussle between the "India Alliance" constituents Congress and Samajwadi Party is continuing regarding seat sharing. UP Congress President Ajay Rai has given a big statement in this context, in which he has demanded five seats on which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had won last time.
Ajay Rai's statement on seat sharing
Ajay Rai said, "We have demanded five seats and there is a plan to allow Samajwadi Party to contest on the remaining five seats. We have sent our proposal in this regard to the central leadership and we are confident that appropriate decision will be taken." This statement makes it clear that UP Congress has made vigorous preparations to strengthen its claims.
SP's response and strategy
On the other hand, Samajwadi Party has focused on its seats and has indicated to field its candidates on 6 out of 10 seats. SP has so far announced in-charges on 6 seats, which makes it clear that the party is preparing to field its candidates on 6 out of 10 seats.
It will be interesting to see how the seats are finally divided between Congress and SP and what changes it brings in the politics of UP. If the coordination between SP and Congress works out in this by-election, then BJP can face a strong challenge in the upcoming elections.
Expansion of SP in Jammu and Kashmir
On the other hand, outside the borders of Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party has also planned to expand its presence in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. The party has announced the names of 20 candidates for the second and third phase of elections. This step is an important effort for the SP towards increasing its presence in Jammu and Kashmir.
Second round candidates
Samajwadi Party has nominated 5 candidates from Kashmir division for the second phase. Shahid Hassan from Hazratbal, Maqbool Shah from Budgam, Nisar Ahmed Dar from Beedwah, Mohammad Farooq Khan from Habbakadal, and Mehrajuddin Ahmed from Idgah have been given tickets. There is no candidate from Jammu division in this phase.
Third round candidates
For the third phase, SP has announced the names of 15 candidates. These include 10 candidates from Kashmir division and 5 from Jammu division. Among the candidates from Kashmir division are Manzoor Ahmed from Baramulla, Ghulam Mustafa from Bandipora, Abdul Ghani Dar from Wagura Kreeri, Sajwal Shah from Karnah, Wasim Gulzar from Pattan, Sabiha Begum from Kupwara, Hilal Ahmed Malla from Gulmarg, Tahir Salmani from Rafibad, Sajad Khan from Trehgam, and Shadab Shaheen from Lolab.
Samajwadi Party has nominated 5 candidates from Jammu division, whose names will be announced soon. This move of SP is being considered a big step towards strengthening its political hold in Jammu and Kashmir.