SP-Cong talks break down?

New Delhi, January 21

Chances of alliance between Samajwadi party and the Congress appeared dim on Saturday as agreement continues to evade them over seat distribution less than a month before the state casts its ballot.

Samajwadi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Agarwal said that Congress wanted 120 seats, but the SP refused to give them more than 100.

“We told the Congress that we have 234 sitting MLAs and we need to give them tickets as well, and since there are a few others as well, there is no chance of us fighting on less than 300 seats,” Uttam said, blaming the breakdown on the Congress’s obstinacy.

“But the Congress was rigid on their demand as if they have are a great source of influence in the region and Uttar Pradesh cannot run without them,” he said, adding that the development was likely to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“We gave it our all to ensure that this alliance is forged, but could not do anything because of Congress' rigidity,” he said.

Sources claimed the primary sticking point between the two parties were seats in

Rae Bareli and Amethi — two traditionally “Congress bastions” and parliamentary constituencies of the Gandhi family.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav will release the party's manifesto in Lucknow on Sunday. TNS/ Agencies