Congress leaders' attempt to meet Mayawati rejected ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections

Congress party officials Rajendra Pal Gautam and MP Tanuj Punia visited the Lucknow residence of Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on 20 May 2026, saying they wanted to check on her health and expressed that the visit was a courtesy with no prior appointment. Security staff conveyed their request, but Mayawati declined to meet, citing that she was occupied.

The visit has reignited speculation about a possible Congress‑BSP alliance ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, where opposition parties are seeking to consolidate against the ruling BJP. While Congress leaders insisted the trip was not political, UP Congress MP Imran Masood commented, "I believe our leaders should have taken a prior appointment before going there," highlighting internal criticism of the outreach.

No formal discussions were reported, and the episode underscores the ongoing uncertainty about opposition realignments in India's most populous state.