India, Feb. 22 -- SP and BSP explore an alliance possibility to challenge BJP, with SP distancing itself from Congress.

NEW DELHI: After back-to-back election defeats, Congress is losing the confidence of its allies within the I.N.D.I.A bloc, prompting them to explore alternative coalition options in their respective states. In this context, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has shown interest in aligning with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Initial discussions have already taken place, and another meeting is expected next month.

A source familiar with the matter told The Sunday Guardian that relations between Congress and the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh are strained. SP has expressed concerns ov...