Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav announced on Wednesday that candidates from the INDIA bloc will contest all nine seats in the upcoming bypolls under the SP's election symbol, the 'cycle.' Yadav emphasized that the alliance's decision was driven by the goal of victory rather than any specific seat-sharing formula.

In a post on X, Yadav stated, "The Congress and Samajwadi Party are united and working hand in hand for a major victory. The INDIA bloc will begin a new chapter of success in this by-election."

He further added that the alliance has instilled new energy in every INDIA bloc worker contesting the nine assembly seats, all determined to secure victory.

The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh highlighted that this election is being fought to safeguard the nation's Constitution and protect the rights of the backward classes, Dalits, and minorities.

By-elections are scheduled for November 13 across nine seats: Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad). Eight of these seats were vacated after their respective MLAs won Lok Sabha seats, while the Sisamau seat became vacant following the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case.

The Congress had initially requested five of the 10 assembly seats, including Milkipur. However, last week, the SP confirmed that the Congress had agreed to contest just two seats: Ghaziabad and Khair (Aligarh), leaving the other seven for the SP. The Election Commission later announced by-elections for nine seats, excluding Milkipur in Ayodhya.

The last day for filing nominations is October 25, with the SP already having named its candidates for Karhal, Sisamau, Phulpur, Katehari, Majhawan, Meerapur, and Milkipur. Vote counting is set for November 23.