Chandrashekhar Azad–Akhilesh Yadav alliance likely in 2027 UP assembly polls

Azad Samaj Party (ASP) chief Chandrashekhar Azad and Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav appear to be drawing closer again after falling apart during the 2022 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Speculation is rife in Uttar Pradesh’s political circles that the two parties may come together for the state assembly elections scheduled in 2027.

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For some time now, both parties have refrained from openly criticizing each other. Leaders from both sides are avoiding direct attacks, indicating a softening of stance.

A senior SP leader told The Statesman on Sunday that party workers have been instructed not to speak much against Chandrashekhar for now so as to keep the possibility of a future alliance open.

Political analysts believe that an alliance between Chandrashekhar Azad and Akhilesh Yadav, given the current political scenario, could prove to be highly effective against the BJP, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh.

Not attacking Chandrashekhar publicly is also seen as part of SP’s broader strategy. The party does not want to appear opposed to a Dalit leader, especially at a time when caste-based mobilization remains politically sensitive.

A senior SP official said that having Chandrashekhar join the SP-led alliance in 2027 would be beneficial. If the Azad Samaj Party contests alone, it could lead to a division of votes, ultimately benefiting the BJP. On the other hand, joining SP would also help Chandrashekhar in advancing his PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) campaign.

In recent public forums, Chandrashekhar has spoken about his relationship with Akhilesh Yadav, acknowledging that they share a good rapport and that he values the connection.

When asked about contesting the 2027 elections in alliance with the SP, a leader from the Azad Samaj Party close to Chandrashekhar said the party is currently focused on the upcoming panchayat elections and intends to contest those independently.

However, he declined to comment on any alliance for 2027, stating, “The party will take a decision on that matter at the appropriate time.”

According to political analysts, there is good coordination between Akhilesh Yadav and Chandrashekhar Azad. The two leaders are often seen interacting during Parliament sessions, possibly exchanging political views and exploring common ground. This evolving understanding could lead to a formal alliance in 2027.

A senior SP leader noted that within the party, there is a growing belief that Chandrashekhar, ideologically, aligns closely with the Samajwadi Party and the INDIA alliance. However, he will need to clarify his political position further and adopt a more vocal stance against the BJP—similar to other INDIA bloc leaders.

It is worth recalling that during the 2022 Assembly elections, Chandrashekhar met Akhilesh Yadav and demanded three seats. He asked for the Rampur Maniharan seat in Saharanpur for himself, but SP had already allotted it to its ally, RLD.

Akhilesh advised Chandrashekhar to speak with RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary. Chandrashekhar also requested a seat in Ghaziabad, which Akhilesh agreed to, while the third seat had already been assigned, though Akhilesh had assured a resolution. Eventually, Chandrashekhar backed out, accusing Akhilesh of being anti-Dalit.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, SP won 37 seats in Uttar Pradesh, while Chandrashekhar secured one seat for himself and entered the Lok Sabha. Since then, his interactions with Akhilesh Yadav have reportedly increased during Parliament sessions, fueling speculation that the two could unite in the 2027 Assembly elections.