After two days of uncertainty, the Congress and the Samajwadi Party on Sunday sealed their poll alliance for Uttar Pradesh assembly polls that open on February 11. The ruling Samajwadi Party will contest 298 seats and the Congress the remaining 105. The voting for 403-member Uttar Pradesh assembly will be held over seven phases. “A pre-election tie-up is a historical decision and will herald a new beginning for the development of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress was also keen to Ajit Singh-led RLD in the alliance, which the Samajwadi Party did not want.

Source: Hindustan Times January 22, 2017 13:09 UTC