‘Only Akhilesh Can Defeat BJP’: Iqra Hasan’s Remark Draws Imran Masood’s ‘Nothing Possible Without Rahul’ Reply

A fresh political disagreement has surfaced between the Samajwadi Party and the Indian National Congress over who should lead the Opposition’s challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.

Kairana MP Iqra Hasan backed Akhilesh Yadav as the leader best placed to defeat the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Her remarks soon drew a response from Saharanpur MP Imran Masood, who argued that no effective Opposition campaign was possible without Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.

The disagreement is significant because both MPs won the 2024 Lok Sabha election as candidates of the SP-Congress alliance, which delivered a strong performance in Uttar Pradesh.

‘Congress Cannot Achieve Much on Its Own’

Making a strong pitch for the SP president, Iqra Hasan said Akhilesh Yadav alone possessed the political strength required to challenge the BJP in the state.

“Only Akhilesh Yadav is capable of defeating the BJP. On its own, the Congress won’t be able to achieve much,” Hasan said.

Her statement underlined the Samajwadi Party’s position that it remains the dominant Opposition force in Uttar Pradesh and should consequently have the decisive role in shaping the alliance’s electoral strategy.

Hasan has also reportedly warned that the breakdown of the alliance would be more damaging for the Congress, further highlighting the growing pressure between the two parties.

Imran Masood Counters With Rahul Gandhi Pitch

Responding to Hasan’s remarks, Imran Masood described Rahul Gandhi as the most prominent Opposition voice at the national level and credited him with building an anti-BJP political atmosphere across the country.

“Nothing is possible without Rahul ji, and no one should have any doubts about this,” Masood told PTI.

The Congress MP maintained that Gandhi’s political campaigns and sustained attacks on the BJP had strengthened the Opposition’s position. His response suggested that while Congress may have fewer legislators than the SP in Uttar Pradesh, it does not intend to accept a marginal role in the alliance.

Masood has previously referred to the Congress as the alliance’s “big brother” and argued that the party’s recent growth must be reflected in any future seat-sharing arrangement.

‘Finalise the Alliance Immediately’

Beyond the leadership debate, Masood also called for an early decision on the alliance and the distribution of seats.

“If an alliance is to be formed, it should be finalised; otherwise, we must proceed with our own preparations,” he told ANI.

Masood warned that delaying negotiations could damage coordination among workers at the constituency level. According to him, both parties require sufficient time to identify candidates, establish campaign teams and strengthen their respective organisations.

“If it isn’t finalised, the damage happens on the ground,” he added.

The Congress leadership in Uttar Pradesh is reportedly seeking clarity on the alliance and seat-sharing arrangements by October. However, a final formula has yet to be announced.

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SP Preparing for All 403 Assembly Seats

While the public statements have fuelled speculation about cracks within the alliance, the Samajwadi Party has begun strengthening its organisation across all 403 Assembly constituencies.

Preparing for every seat does not necessarily mean that the party will contest alone. It does, however, give the SP greater bargaining power if negotiations with Congress become difficult or remain delayed.

The seat-sharing discussion is particularly sensitive because both parties would want to contest enough constituencies to protect their long-term political interests. Congress is seeking greater space following its improved Lok Sabha performance, while the SP is determined to retain its position as the principal Opposition party in Uttar Pradesh.

Can Rahul and Akhilesh Avoid a Bigger Clash?

The exchange between Hasan and Masood does not officially end the partnership, but it reveals the challenge awaiting Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav.

The two parties benefited from their combined campaign during the 2024 parliamentary election. Ahead of 2027, however, they must resolve three politically sensitive questions: who will lead the campaign, how many seats each party will contest and whether Congress will accept the SP’s dominant position in the state.

For now, both sides insist that defeating the BJP remains their principal objective. But unless the alliance question is settled soon, the debate over “Akhilesh versus Rahul” could overshadow their shared campaign before the election battle formally begins.