Following the Congress party's disappointing performance in the recent Haryana elections, the Samajwadi Party (SP) announced candidates for six of the ten Uttar Pradesh assembly seats going to bypolls without consulting Congress, causing tension within their alliance. Congress had sought to contest five of these seats, but SP's assertive move caught them off guard, with party leaders expressing discontent over the lack of communication. SP's decision reflects internal dynamics within the INDIA bloc, as they cited differing electoral performances—SP won 37 of 62 contested seats, while Congress secured only six out of 17. The announcement came amidst ongoing discussions about the bypolls, which have yet to be officially scheduled by the Election Commission. SP spokesperson indicated that future seat-sharing arrangements will depend on party chief Akhilesh Yadav, highlighting the complexities of their collaboration. The BJP has seized the opportunity to critique the INDIA bloc's internal strife, suggesting it undermines their effectiveness against the ruling party.