2027 first: Why Congress walked away from UP MLC polls after a year’s prep

In a decision made before Aradhana Misra became the state Congress president, the party has opted not to field candidates in 11 Graduate and Teachers' constituencies slated for Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections. Instead, the Congress is concentrating its efforts on the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections. The elections are scheduled for October 23 and will cover five Graduate and six Teachers constituencies.

The party's withdrawal comes as the nomination process has concluded. Misra stated that the decision was taken with the 2027 Assembly polls in mind. She added that if those who had prepared to contest as Congress candidates wish to do so as independents, it is their choice.

The party had undertaken extensive preparations for the Legislative Council elections, including appointing observers and coordinators and setting up a control room. However, with the Congress staying out, the contest now appears to be primarily between the BJP and Samajwadi Party, along with several independents. A number of Congress aspirants are now contesting independently, such as Arvind Singh Patel from Varanasi Graduate constituency.