Rift In INDI Alliance? Akhilesh Yadav Says Congress Should Not 'Betray' SP, Posters Showing Him As Future Prime Minister Emerge In Lucknow

A prominent hoarding has emerged outside the Samajwadi Party's office in Lucknow, declaring party chief Akhilesh Yadav as the "future Prime Minister" of India.

This development has renewed the spotlight on the ongoing tensions between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, two significant members of the opposition INDI Alliance.

The poster was affixed by party spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan 'Chaand'.

When questioned about the rationale behind erecting such a poster outside the party office, Fakhrul Hasan 'Chaand' explained that Samajwadi Party workers often celebrate Akhilesh Yadav's birthday multiple times, demonstrating their love and respect for their leader.

"Today, some party leaders and workers are celebrating his birthday. Party workers are praying that Akhilesh Yadav becomes the PM of the country and serves the people," he added.

In response to the poster, BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh government minister Danish Azad Ansari commented that no one can prevent individuals from indulging in wishful thinking.

He emphasised that the country was progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that the citizens trusted him. He expressed confidence that the nation would elect Prime Minister Modi for a third term.

Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party is a part of the INDI Alliance, a coalition of 28 political parties established earlier this year to challenge the BJP's dominance led by Narendra Modi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Nevertheless, the alliance has not yet announced its prime ministerial candidate.

A verbal clash erupted recently due to the failure of the Congress and Samajwadi Party to reach a seat-sharing agreement for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections.

Akhilesh Yadav urged the Congress not to "betray" the Samajwadi Party and to make their intentions clear regarding the alliance.

While he hinted that Congress leadership had approached him on the matter, he also questioned why they would seek an alliance if they had no intention of forming one.