The Congress and Samajwadi Party have sent mixed political signals over a possible alliance with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, exposing divisions within the opposition INDIA bloc as it recalibrates its electoral strategy after recent setbacks.

The debate was triggered after AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said his party was willing to join hands with opposition forces if treated with “respect and equal status” in order to jointly challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh. His remarks have reignited discussion on whether a broader anti-BJP coalition is feasible in India’s most politically significant state.

Within the Congress, MP Imran Masood said any decision regarding AIMIM’s inclusion in the INDIA bloc would rest with the party’s central leadership. However, he strongly emphasised that there could be “no compromise with communalism,” suggesting ideological boundaries would remain a key factor in alliance decisions. He added that opposition unity should be anchored in defeating the BJP rather than expanding indiscriminately.

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The comments come at a time when the opposition alliance, formally known as the INDIA alliance, is reassessing its strategy after disappointing electoral performances in several states. Internal discussions have focused on rebuilding coordination after losses in key contests, including Delhi, Bihar, and West Bengal, where the BJP and its allies maintained or strengthened their positions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged alliance partners to remain united, warning that traditional campaign approaches may no longer be effective in the current political environment. He has also stressed that the Congress is prepared to take on significant political pressure to lead the opposition’s challenge against the ruling BJP, underscoring the importance of cohesion within the bloc.

Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party has taken a more open stance toward potential cooperation. Senior leader Ram Gopal Yadav said that any political force capable of defeating the BJP would be welcome in Uttar Pradesh. In contrast, Owaisi reiterated that his party would consider alliances only if given equal standing, pointing to AIMIM’s previous electoral performance in Uttar Pradesh, where it failed to secure seats despite contesting widely. The differing positions highlight ongoing uncertainty within opposition ranks as the 2027 state election approaches.

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