{
  "id": 16598919,
  "title": "Campaign targeting SP-Congress alliance to consolidate PDA: Akhilesh Yadav",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/campaign-targeting-sp-congress-alliance-to-consolidate-pda-akhilesh",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T12:30:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/campaign-targeting-sp-congress-alliance-to-consolidate-pda-akhilesh-yadav/article71626943.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 26, 2026, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav addressed a press conference in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, while defending his party and its alliance with the Congress. The main focus of the campaign was to consolidate the PDA, or Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak (Backward classes, Dalits and Minorities) demographic, which is a key focus area for the Samajwadi Party.\n\nAkhilesh Yadav addressed the controversy surrounding the alleged 200-seat demand made by the Congress. He stated that any attempts to create controversy over this demand would only serve to strengthen the PDA coalition. He also questioned the sources behind the objectionable posters that were displayed, accusing those responsible of creating rifts within the INDIA bloc.\n\nIn response to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's claim that Akhilesh Yadav would not return to power, the former Chief Minister replied that he only wants a \"kursi\" (chair) to serve the people, not a \"gaddi\" (throne). He emphasized that his party is committed to establishing social justice and uniting the PDA communities towards this goal.",
  "summary": "He said attempts to create controversy over Congress' alleged 200-seat demand would only consolidate the PDA, and also questioned who was instrumental in erecting objectionable posters targeting the alliance",
  "key_points": [
    "Akhilesh Yadav defends Samajwadi Party's alliance with Congress.",
    "Alleged 200-seat demand by Congress dismissed as controversy fuel.",
    "Yadav aims to unite Pichhda Dalit and Minority communities."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Focusing on the PDA demographic signals a strategic attempt to solidify a diverse voter base and protect the INDIA bloc from internal friction and external political pressure.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Dhami targets Congress over Akhilesh’s remarks: ‘Alliance over Uttarakhand’s self-respect?’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/dhami-targets-congress-over-akhileshs-remarks-alliance-over",
        "published": "2026-10-26T15:09:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}