UP polls: Samajwadi Party says possibility of alliance with Congress almost over, but Congress still hopeful

The Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress alliance has failed over seat-sharing issue, sources said on Saturday. SP offered 99 seats to Congress while the party demanded at least 115 seats, SP sources said.

According to sources, around 140 seats for the first and second phase were cleared by the Congress Central Election Committee meeting on Saturday.

Meanwhile, SP leader Naresh Aggarwal said that the alliance between the two parties has almost failed as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister AKhilesh Yadav is offering 100 seats, while the Congress is not agreeing on seats below 120 seats.

“We told them that we can't contest in less than 300 seats but Cong was adamant as if they are a very influential party in UP,” he said.

Contradicting the claims of SP, Congress state president Raj Babbar said that there was no deadlock in talks. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the final decision will come out on Sunday.

Baat cheet mein kisi bhi tarah ki koi rukawat nahi hai: Raj Babbar, Congress state President when asked on SP-Cong alliance #UPpolls pic.twitter.com/iRnSxu5m9H

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 21, 2017

Kareeb kareeb tuth hi gaya hai gathbandhan, UP CM 100 seats de rahe the lekin Cong 120 seat ke niche maan nahi rha tha: Naresh Agrawal, SP pic.twitter.com/BK5ksl4P7j

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 21, 2017