‘SP-Cong a hit even in 2027 assembly elections, alliance will continue’

SP leader takes a jibe at PM Modi over mangalsutra remark, rebuts “parivarwaad” charge by questioning how will those who do not have family know its value

Yadav- Rahul Gandhi ) will flop in Uttar Pradesh?

Iss bar jodi hit hai. (The Akhilesh Yadav- Rahul Gandhi combo is a hit in Uttar Pradesh this time).

This attack on the jodi is out of fear as they know that the INDIA alliance has the edge not only in Uttar Pradesh but also in South India.

Allegations of “pariwarvaad” (dynastic politics) are being levelled at your family by both the PM and chief minister Yogi Adityanath?

Those who don’t have a family cannot understand its importance. Any attack on my family helps us to consolidate our position in this election. People know the importance of family. On this issue, voters are with my family.

The Samajwadi Party had an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and with the Congress in the 2017 assembly elections. But both alliances failed. What is the future of the SP-Congress alliance this time?

The Samajwadi Party and Congress alliance will continue in Uttar Pradesh even in the 2027 assembly polls. In fact, the INDIA bloc will continue in future also in all assembly polls across the country.

What do you have to say on PM Narendra Modi’s statement on the mangalsutra?

It is no ordinary string. Only a married person will know how important mangalsutra is for a woman. Ask Sonia Gandhi about the importance of mangalsutra who lost her husband for the nation.

(The mangalsutra issue was in the news after Modi accused the Congress of planning to take away people’s wealth, including jewellery, for redistribution and remarked: “Mangalsutra will not be safe under the Congress rule.” Modi had made the remark at rallies in Rajasthan and Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh. Mangalsutra – a form of pendant necklace – is usually worn by Hindu married women and is considered auspicious as a sign of their matrimony).

The BJP campaign is revolving around “ab ki bar 400 par”?

The BJP’s game plan was to change the Constitution by securing 400 seats. But people are aware of the BJP’s politics and they do not want a change in the Constitution. The electorate is not voting for the BJP.

What is your party’s stand on the caste census?

The Samajwadi Party is in support of the caste census. People should know what exactly the percentage of different castes in the state is.

If the Samajwadi Party comes to power in the state in the 2027 assembly polls, then the caste census will be carried out.

What do you have to say on Mukhtar Ansari’s death?

There is no law and order in the state. How can murders be committed in custody?

(Shivpal was referring to murders of Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in Prayagraj while in custody on April 15, 2023. Gangster-turned politician Mukhar Ansari died following a cardiac arrest in Banda prison on March 28).