Lucknow, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday asserted that the INDIA bloc remained united, describing this as the BJP’s “biggest sorrow”, after his absence from an Opposition meeting in New Delhi drew criticism from BJP leaders.
In a post on social media platform X, Yadav said, “This is BJP’s biggest sorrow that INDIA is firmly united.”
The SP chief did not attend the INDIA bloc meeting held in the national capital to discuss the Opposition’s strategy on electoral issues. However, the Samajwadi Party was represented by other leaders at the meeting.
Yadav’s absence drew attention amid discussions over the unity of the Opposition alliance. Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy and Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam said Yadav had prior commitments in Lucknow.
Roy told IANS that Yadav had informed alliance leaders in advance that he would remain in Lucknow to submit the nomination of senior SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav. Describing the meeting as a positive initiative, Roy said organising an INDIA bloc meeting at short notice was a constructive step.
Gautam said the decision to attend the meeting or send a representative rested with Yadav, while emphasising the Congress’s commitment to strengthening the alliance and protecting the country’s democracy and Constitution.
A day earlier, SP spokesperson Ashutosh Verma had also explained Yadav’s absence, citing his previously scheduled programmes related to the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and Rajya Sabha polls. Verma said Yadav needed to remain on the ground for party activities but reaffirmed the SP’s support for the INDIA bloc.
He also said the party supported steps to address alleged irregularities within the Election Commission.
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