Congress's Uttar Pradesh in-charge Avinash Pandey has publicly welcomed the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) into the INDIA bloc, sparking speculation about opposition realignments for the 2027 state elections. This overture, despite BSP chief Mayawati's previous statements ruling out alliances and asserting independent contestation, places the BSP at the center of potential opposition strategies. While the Congress has not initiated formal talks, Pandey's statement is viewed as a strategic signal. The BSP has responded cautiously, stating that any alliance decision rests with the national leadership.