Uttar Pradesh SP chief Akhilesh Yadav flags defections and slams Yogi Adityanath

On May 19, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav said his party would keep its alliance strategy for future elections, even as several SP members in Saharanpur defected to the Congress party. The moves are seen as strengthening Congress ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly poll and could reshape seat‑sharing negotiations within the broader INDIA opposition bloc.

At the same time, Yadav criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for banning public namaz, questioning whether the government would stop opposition press conferences on roads. He also accused the BJP‑led state administration of neglecting law‑and‑order, raising concerns about crimes against women and Dalits, and warned that recent fuel price hikes would increase the cost of essential commodities. Yadav’s remarks reflect escalating tensions between the SP and the BJP‑led state government as the opposition prepares for upcoming elections.