With an eye on the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party has quietly begun a major exercise to identify potential candidates across all 403 Assembly seats in the state.
Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is said to be personally monitoring the process as the party prepares early for what is expected to be a high-stakes electoral contest.
According to party sources, the SP is using surveys and feedback from local leaders to assess ticket aspirants. The focus is on selecting candidates who have a strong chance of winning, enjoy public support, and maintain a positive image among voters.
The survey work is reportedly being supervised by retired IAS officer Alok Ranjan. A special team based in Lucknow has been studying the political situation in every constituency and preparing reports on possible candidates.
The reports examine several factors, including a candidate’s popularity, caste equations, public reputation, local influence and past record. Party leaders want to give preference to candidates with a strong grassroots presence and a clean image.
Sources also said the survey team has offered suggestions regarding a possible alliance with the Indian National Congress. The report reportedly recommends that if an alliance is formed, Congress could be offered around 70 to 75 seats.
However, seat-sharing discussions may not be easy, especially in some Muslim-majority constituencies where both parties are expected to seek a stronger presence.
While no final decisions have been announced, the exercise shows that the Samajwadi Party has already shifted into election mode and is laying the groundwork well ahead of the 2027 battle.
