Akhilesh Yadav announced that candidates from the INDIA Bloc will contest all nine seats in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh by-elections using the Samajwadi Party’s election symbol, the ‘cycle.’
In a post on X, Yadav emphasized, “It is not about seats but about winning.” He stated that under this strategy, the joint candidates of the INDIA Bloc will represent all nine constituencies with the Samajwadi Party’s symbol. Yadav expressed confidence in a united front, saying, “The Congress and the Samajwadi Party are united and standing shoulder to shoulder for a big victory. The INDIA Bloc is set to write a new chapter of success in this by-election.”
He further noted that the strength of the Samajwadi Party has significantly increased due to support from the Congress leadership and grassroots workers. “With this unprecedented cooperation, every worker of the INDIA Bloc in all nine assembly seats is energized with the determination to win. This election is crucial for saving the Constitution, harmony, and the dignity of the PDA. Therefore, we urge everyone: not a single vote should be lost or divided,” Yadav added.
Previously, he mentioned ongoing discussions between the Samajwadi Party and Congress regarding seat-sharing arrangements for the by-polls scheduled for November 13.
As of Wednesday, 19 candidates had filed nominations for the Uttar Pradesh assembly by-elections, bringing the total to 34, with more expected before the nomination period closes on October 25. The elections will cover nine assembly seats, including Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Karhal, Phulpur, and Katehari. Notably, the poll body has called for by-elections in nine of the ten vacant seats, excluding Milkipur in Ayodhya district.
These by-polls are part of a broader electoral process affecting 48 constituencies across 15 states, including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. Polling is set for November 13, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.
