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Congress leader Rajendra Pal Gautam stressed that ideological unity should take precedence over political ego if the country’s democratic framework is seen to be under threat.
Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Rajendra Pal Gautam. (Image: ANI)
Ahead of the high-stakes Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Congress SC Department Chairman Rajendra Pal Gautam has triggered fresh political speculation by openly advocating a possible alliance with BSP supremo Mayawati, arguing that “Constitution-loving forces” must unite to safeguard democracy and constitutional values.
Gautam’s remarks assume significance at a time when opposition parties under the INDIA bloc are exploring strategies to counter the BJP in India’s politically crucial state. His comments also come amid continuing debate within opposition ranks over whether anti-BJP votes in Uttar Pradesh can be consolidated through broader social and political alliances.
Speaking after an informal attempt to meet Mayawati at her residence along with Congress MP Tanuj Punia, Gautam praised the former UP Chief Minister’s “administrative capability” and described her as a leader committed to constitutional principles.
“Mayawati ji is a Constitution-believing leader. In future, people committed to constitutional values should unite politically,” Gautam said, while clarifying that the Congress leadership had not officially asked him to meet the BSP chief.
According to Gautam, the meeting attempt was incidental and came after a programme nearby, but he acknowledged that the outreach has political implications in the larger opposition discourse ahead of the elections. He said Mayawati’s staff assured them that their message would be conveyed.
The Congress leader also stressed that ideological unity should take precedence over political ego if the country’s democratic framework is perceived to be under threat.
“When the country, Constitution and democracy are at stake, everyone should come together. At such times, ego takes a back seat,” he said, adding that he does not believe Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav would object to broader opposition unity.
The remarks are politically notable because relations between the Samajwadi Party and BSP have remained strained since the collapse of their 2019 Lok Sabha alliance. Congress, meanwhile, has struggled to regain lost ground in Uttar Pradesh despite attempts to revive its Dalit and backward caste outreach.
Political observers say Gautam’s statement reflects a growing view within sections of the opposition that fragmented anti-BJP politics in Uttar Pradesh could once again benefit the ruling party unless a broader social coalition is stitched together.
While there has been no official response yet from either the BSP or the Congress high command on the possibility of an alliance, Gautam maintained that if the party leadership seeks his opinion on Uttar Pradesh, he would strongly favour efforts aimed at opposition unity.
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