Ex‑Congress Leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui Joins Samajwadi Party; Akhilesh Calls for Broader Unity for Social Justice

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh — February 15, 2026: In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, former Congress leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui formally joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) at a public event in Lucknow on Sunday. The induction was welcomed by party president Akhilesh Yadav, who described it as a major step toward strengthening unity for social justice and electoral success.

Siddiqui, a seasoned politician with roots in the Indian National Congress and earlier the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), had resigned from the Congress about a month ago, alleging that he was unable to work effectively at the grassroots level within the party.

At the joining event, Siddiqui expressed deep respect for Akhilesh Yadav and said he looked forward to working under his leadership. He emphasised that his focus was on strengthening the SP organisation and contributing to its success in the coming state elections.

Akhilesh Yadav described Siddiqui’s move as a “big development” that would deepen ties between the Bahujan Samaj and the SP and bolster the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 polls. He stressed that the inclusion of experienced leaders like Siddiqui would help enhance unity among backward, Dalit and minority communities — a key component of the party’s social justice agenda.

Political Context and Alliance DynamicsSiddiqui’s switch has attracted attention because both the Congress and the SP are part of the INDIA opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh. While leaders from both parties have downplayed the impact of his defection on the alliance, political observers say the move underscores ongoing discussions and coordination challenges between the partners.

A Congress leader noted that Siddiqui had sought a ticket for his son in the upcoming polls — a proposition that the party had initially agreed to but later could not fulfil, prompting his exit. However, both parties maintain that the INDIA bloc remains intact and that alliance negotiations, including seat sharing, will continue.

What Leaders Are Saying

• Naseemuddin Siddiqui: Highlighted his longstanding relationship with Akhilesh and his commitment to grassroots work.

• Akhilesh Yadav: Called for a broader unity for social justice and welcomed Siddiqui’s experience as an asset for the SP.

As political realignments gather pace in Uttar Pradesh, Siddiqui’s shift to the Samajwadi Party adds another layer to the evolving landscape of opposition politics in the state, especially as parties prepare for a high‑stakes battle in 2027.