A statement by senior Congress leader and MP Imran Masood favouring an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) over the Samajwadi Party (SP) has sparked political stirrings in Uttar Pradesh, prompting intense discussions within Congress, SP, and BSP circles.
Masood’s remarks come amid growing signs of friction between Congress and SP following the Lok Sabha elections.
While the Congress has been buoyed by its performance — winning six seats in the state — it now appears to be recalibrating its alliance priorities.
Masood suggested that a tie-up with Mayawati’s BSP could be more electorally beneficial than the often tense Congress-SP partnership.
Political observers believe that the increasing distance between Congress and SP could open a window of opportunity for the BSP. However, forging such an alliance may not be easy.
The BSP has traditionally maintained a stand of going solo in elections, as demonstrated in several recent polls. During the Lok Sabha campaign, Congress had made unsuccessful efforts to bring the BSP into the INDIA bloc fold.
But Mayawati’s party, known for its independent political course, showed no inclination to join hands.
BSP sources suggest the party is likely to stay away even from the upcoming panchayat elections, focusing instead on strengthening the organisation ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
Mayawati herself has repeatedly said that alliances have harmed the BSP rather than helped.
Her sharp criticism of Congress in recent statements further indicates that any partnership is far from imminent.
Still, Masood’s comments have stirred fresh political calculations.
Within the BSP, the return of former MP Girish Chandra and recent expressions of support from leaders like ex-MP Malook Nagar — who welcomed the elevation of Akash Anand as Chief National Coordinator — suggest efforts are underway to revitalise the party.
BSP functionaries are holding cadre camps across districts and inducting leaders from other parties.
Meanwhile, all three national coordinators have been tasked with expanding the party’s base in other states.
After the Bihar assembly elections, the BSP is also preparing to launch a large-scale membership drive in Uttar Pradesh.
As Congress and SP continue to exchange barbs, the shifting political equations have left many leaders and analysts wondering whether a realignment is on the horizon — and whether the BSP could re-emerge as a key player in Uttar Pradesh’s power game.
