Akhilesh Yadav Keeps Distance From Congress? SP’s Lunch Snub Sparks Buzz

Opposition Unity Under Strain? SP Skips Congress Lunch, INDIA Bloc Dynamics in Focus

The Opposition had sought to project a united front against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, but the political spotlight largely remained on Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The prominent presence of the Gandhi siblings during the protest placed Congress at the centre of the Opposition’s campaign, while other INDIA bloc allies appeared to play a relatively less visible role.

Against this backdrop, the Samajwadi Party’s decision to skip a lunch hosted by Congress on October 7 has triggered fresh discussion about the internal dynamics of the INDIA bloc.

For SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, the move also comes as Uttar Pradesh prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections. The party is expected to remain mindful of its state-level political positioning and may be reluctant to be seen as a junior partner to Congress.

The lunch absence has therefore raised questions over whether differences within the Opposition alliance are emerging over strategy, leadership visibility and the political positioning of individual parties ahead of crucial state elections.