Samajwadi Party Skips INDIA Bloc Lunch Amid Coordination Tensions

The Samajwadi Party declined to attend a lunch hosted by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for INDIA bloc allies on Wednesday at a restaurant in Janpath. The absence signals deepening tension between the two parties over strategic coordination, particularly regarding surprise protests staged by Rahul Gandhi at Akashvani Bhawan and the prime minister's residence.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav reportedly felt these protests were conducted without prior consultation. While SP sources cited a lack of coordination and noted that Yadav was suffering from a high fever following his detention during a protest march toward the Election Commission, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh attributed the absence to short notice and late communication.

These frictions emerge as both parties prepare for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Strategic differences have already surfaced regarding seat-sharing arrangements in the region, complicating the alliance's efforts to maintain a unified front.