'They Can't Tolerate Muslim Leaders': Imran Masood's Fresh Attack Deepens Congress-SP Alliance Rift

Last Updated:July 13, 2026, 07:36 IST

Responding to Udaiveer Singh's comments, Masood claimed it was the Samajwadi Party that needed the alliance more than the Congress.

Fresh cracks have emerged in the Congress-Samajwadi Party (SP) relationship ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with senior Congress leader Imran Masood launching a blistering attack on SP leader Udaiveer Singh amid an escalating war of words between the two INDIA bloc allies. Masood’s remarks come at a time when both parties have been publicly sparring over their respective political strengths and the future of their alliance, raising fresh questions over whether the partnership that delivered gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will survive until the next Assembly polls.

Responding to Udaiveer Singh’s comments, Masood claimed it was the Samajwadi Party that needed the alliance more than the Congress. “Samajwadi Party is the one shouting for an alliance, and it is due to the alliance that you could bring 37 seats in 2024, otherwise you could not even pass 120 seats in 2022," he said.

Taking an even sharper swipe at the SP, Masood alleged that the party had consistently failed to back influential Muslim leaders. “Samajwadi Party cannot tolerate a Muslim leader, or a leader who speaks, and such a leader is in Congress now," he said.

Referring to prominent Muslim leaders associated with the SP in the past, Masood added, “Who was destroyed in their party? It was Mukhtar, Atiq Ahmed, Azam Khan. They are not the ones who are blamed."

The Congress leader also rejected suggestions that his electoral victory was dependent on the alliance with the SP. “I have won my seat due to Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. I did not conduct a single rally for the Samajwadi Party during elections, even when we were in alliance," he said.

Masood’s comments are the latest in a series of public exchanges that have exposed growing discomfort between the two opposition parties as they begin positioning themselves for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh contest.

The friction had intensified earlier after newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Kumar Singh Patel suggested that the Congress would seek an equal share of seats in any alliance with the SP for the Assembly elections. The assertion was widely interpreted as a sign that the Congress, buoyed by its improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is no longer willing to play second fiddle in the state.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had earlier last month urged the Congress to show a “large heart", a remark that many political observers saw as a reminder of the SP’s dominant position in Uttar Pradesh and an attempt to cool expectations over seat-sharing.

The Congress, meanwhile, recently sought an appointment with BSP chief Mayawati. While no formal alliance talks have been announced, the move fuelled speculation that the Congress may be keeping its options open if negotiations with the SP become difficult.

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Pragati Ratti

Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com. Having headed the Business and Viral sections, Pragati now ideates, writes and edits long-form features and articles on national and global affairs. She ensures...Read More

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