'BJP's team': Congress takes swipe at AIMIM-Azad Samaj Party alliance ahead of UP polls

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) National President Chandra Shekhar Aazad during a press conference to announce the formation of the 'Samajik Parivartan Morcha' to jointly contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls NEW DELHI: Congress on Thursday questioned the AIMIM-Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) alliance for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alleging that the two parties could indirectly help the BJP by contesting separately instead of joining the INDIA bloc.Reacting to the formation of the 'Samajik Parivartan Morcha', Hussain Dalwai said the alliance raised suspicions about the parties' political intentions and questioned why they had chosen to form a separate front instead of becoming part of the opposition alliance."This gives rise to the suspicion that they intend to act as the BJP's team and help the party. The INDIA bloc is already an alliance, and instead of joining it, they are forming a separate alliance and contesting elections independently," he said. Dalwai also accused the BJP government of pursuing politics in the name of Hindutva that was against Muslims and Dalits, and called for its defeat."This government, in the name of Hindutva, is against Muslims and Dalits, and it must be defeated. People will not believe whatever these leaders say," he said.Earlier today, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Nagina MP Chandra Shekhar Azad announced their alliance, Samajik Parivartan Morcha, for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, with Azad being the candidate for chief minister. The two leaders made the announcement at a joint press conference in Lucknow, bringing together their parties ahead of the state polls. Azad said the coalition was open to other parties, including the Samajwadi Party and Congress, if they wanted to contest the elections in support of the alliance to prevent the BJP from returning to power in Uttar Pradesh, PTI reported. Priyanka Jaiswal has four years of experience in digital journalism, news agency reporting and video production. Currently with The Times of India, she covers public policy, politics and global affairs. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories that put people at the heart of an issue, spark awareness , and contribute to meaningful conversations.