Lucknow: Ruling Samajwadi Party and the Congress on Sunday formally announced the alliance for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Addressing the press, Congress’ Raj Babbar along with Kiranmoy Nanda and Naresh Uttam of Samajwadi party said that SP would contest on 298 seats and the grand old party on 105 seats.

“Congress and SP will contest Assembly elections in UP together,” Uttam, SP state president, said.

Addressing the press, Congress’ Raj Babbar along with Kiranmoy Nanda and Naresh Uttam of Samajwadi party said that SP would contest on 298 seats and the grand old party on 105 seats.

“Congress and SP will contest Assembly elections in UP together,” Uttam, SP state president, said.

On the other hand, UP PCC chief  Babbar  said, “The alliance between Congress and SP will set an example, will strive hard for upliftment of poor and development of state.”

He said a Common Minimum Programme will be drafted within a week.

When asked to comment on Congress’ slogan ’27 saal, UP behaal’ Babbar said, “Now UP will embark on the rapid path of progress and there will be no ‘badhali’ (in a bad state).”

Another Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “More than winning elections we want to defeat communal and divisive forces by alliance with SP,” as per ANI.

Feverish parleys between SP, Congress:

The talks between top Congress and SP leaders had been going on for last several days for but got delayed as the two parties engaged in tough bargain.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had initially offered 100 seats to Congress but they demanded 120.

SP then argued that it had 234 sitting legislators and there were some others who would also contest.

Thus, the ruling party needed at least 300 of the 403 seats.

But, Congress leaders had informed the SP that in such a scenario, there cannot be an alliance.

Sources also said the alliance materialised after Congress president Sonia Gandhi intervened, as per PTI.

According to sources, top leaders of both the parties finalised the seat sharing arrangement late last night.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel had earlier tweeted – “Discussion was at highest level – CM (UP), GS I/C and Priyanka Gandhi.”

  Rahul, SP, UP. AKHILESH