GORAKHPUR, July 6 -- With village panchayat elections expected in early 2026, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai on Saturday said that those who win the local body polls with Congress support will be considered strong contenders for party tickets in the 2027 state assembly elections. Addressing a divisional conference of Congress workers from Gorakhpur division here, Rai said similar meetings are being held across the state. He added that he chose to attend the Gorakhpur event as the region, along with Varanasi, remains a key political base for the BJP. Rai urged Congress workers to continue their fight against the "atrocities" of the current government. "The entire Congress party stands firmly with you," he said.htc...