SIGNALS OF A TIE-UP 

The BSP is following the Dalit-Muslim formula and giving signals for a tie-up in Uttar Pradesh with the Samajwadi Party and Congress in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Recently, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge invited the leaders of 21 like-minded parties, including SP and BSP, to join the concluding function of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Srinagar on 30 January, saying that their presence would strengthen the yatra’s message of truth, compassion, and non-violence. Earlier, BSP MP Shyam Singh Yadav from the Jaunpur constituency in Uttar Pradesh had joined top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra when it entered Delhi. He walked with Rahul for about three hours through various areas across the national capital. His participation in Rahul’s march fuelled speculation about a possible thaw in relations between Mayawati’s BSP and the Congress. 

NO END TO GEHLOT-PILOT RIFT

Former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot has decided on a self-motivated series of public meetings in the pollbound state from 16 to 20 January. He is all set for this goal and will hold rallies in Nagaur, Hanumangarh, Jhunjhunu, Pali, and Jaipur in Rajasthan. While the Congress is watching his moves closely since his differences with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have not been resolved yet, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders are working to find a solution to the party’s issues that will strengthen the organisation. The party’s high command has not taken any decision on the leadership issue. Even to date, no clarity has been given by the top Congress leadership to resolve the Gehlot-Pilot issue. Sources say that the Congress at this juncture does not want to antagonise any camp. CONGRESS’S 

OUTREACH TO WOMEN

AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will address the ‘Naa Nayaki Convention’ on 16 January at Bengaluru Palace Ground, Karnataka. The convention aims to emphasise the issues of inflation and fuel prices. The party has plans to rope in one lakh women for the rally from across the state. Congress is also contemplating releasing a separate manifesto for women.