SP finalizing for assembly polls candidates ahead of schedule to gauge mood of rebels

While the Samajwadi Party (SP) is yet to officially announce its candidates for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the party leadership has begun hinting at potential candidates.

According to SP sources, the real intention behind this strategy is to gauge the discontent and the attitude of the rebels in the constituencies. Sources said the party adopted this strategy to give candidates more time to reach out to the public, strengthen the organization, and prepare for the election.

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According to a senior SP leader and current MP, the party is currently busy finalizing the names of its candidates. There are approximately 150 seats where the SP’s candidates are considered almost certain. These names could be officially announced by the end of July. “The SP adopted a similar strategy during the 2012 assembly elections. One objective is to identify potential rebels. If there is any discontent or rebellion, it can be identified and addressed before the elections,” he said.

According to a senior SP official, candidates have been finalized for most seats in districts like Ambedkar Nagar, Azamgarh, Ghazipur, Mau, Ayodhya, Basti, Ballia, and Varanasi. The party may only deny tickets to a few MLAs in the assembly elections; most incumbents are likely to be re-elected.

Sources indicate that the SP leadership has already held meetings with organizational officials regarding more than 150 assembly seats in approximately 40 districts. The second phase of this ongoing district-level process is also set to begin soon. The party aims to finalize the shortlisting of candidates by the first week of July.

According to a senior official, the SP is also eyeing leaders currently in the BJP, Rashtriya Lok Dal, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, or other parties who may switch sides depending on the political situation.

Sources also indicate that a directive from party president Akhilesh Yadav is in the works. He has clarified that leaders holding organizational positions who wish to contest the assembly elections must first resign.

According to sources, Akhilesh Yadav is advocating strengthening the All India Alliance and is positive about an alliance with the Congress. Discussions are underway to determine which seats will be compromised in case of an alliance between the two parties.

It is noteworthy that the SP has already begun preparing the ground for the 2027 elections. By giving advance indications to potential candidates, the party is not only activating its organization but also seeking to anticipate potential internal challenges.