Congress Looks To Pacify Akhilesh Yadav Amid Growing Rift Within I.N.D.I. Alliance After SP Chief's 'Chalu' Party Jibe

Congress is working to mend its relationship with Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav after his critical remarks during the ongoing election campaign.

Yadav's comments, including labelling Congress as a "chalu" (cunning) party, have raised concerns within the Congress, but they are not considering a separation in the I.N.D.I. Alliance at this time.

Instead, top Congress leaders are planning to reach out to Yadav later this month to ease tensions.

Akhilesh Yadav has been outspoken in his criticism of Congress, suggesting that the party wants the "Samajwadi ideology" to perish. Despite initially appearing to tone down his rhetoric, the SP chief has continued to target Congress for not accommodating his party in Madhya Pradesh.

As per reports by Deccan Herald, Congress sources have expressed amusement at Yadav's ongoing attacks, likening them to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's more subtle criticism of the Congress for not advancing the I.N.D.I. Alliance due to its focus on state elections.

A senior Congress leader commented, "Akhilesh ne zyada bola hai (Akhilesh has spoken too much). He has used harsh words. Nitish Kumar was also critical of the Congress but in control."

There is also the possibility of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge playing a mediator role by discussing the issue with Yadav later this month.

Congress sources emphasised that it was understood by all parties that there was no state-level bloc for the I.N.D.I. Alliance, although exploring options was not off the table.

The 'Judega Bharat, Jeetega I.N.D.I.A' slogan was primarily for Lok Sabha polls, and state polls were not initially part of the discussion.