Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam signaled an equal seat-sharing with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 assembly polls, emphasizing "equality and respect." He highlighted the INDIA bloc's success in the Lok Sabha elections, attributing it to the Congress's national stature and Rahul Gandhi's leadership. Gautam also criticized the BJP government on issues like paper leaks, job creation, and alleged targeting of the poor and minorities.