Addressing a joint press conference, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the growing support for the opposition INDIA bloc in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 & predicted that the BJP would only win 150 seats.

Akhilesh Yadav echoed Gandhi`s sentiments, emphasising the need to prevent vote division and ensure a unified opposition front in the elections.

Both leaders condemned the electoral bonds scheme, citing its scrapping by the Supreme Court and alleged that it was a tool for corruption within the political system.

Rahul Gandhi defended his remarks on poverty eradication, clarifying that while poverty may not be eliminated immediately, concerted efforts can be made towards its alleviation.

When questioned about contesting from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi deferred to the decision of the Congress party`s Central Election Committee.

Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP for allegedly neglecting marginalized communities like Pichhde, Dalit, and Alpasankhyak (PDA), asserting that the PDA alliance would defeat the ruling NDA.

The SP chief accused the BJP of harbouring corrupt leaders and exploiting the electoral bond scheme for financial gain, branding the party as a "warehouse of corrupt leaders."

Both leaders expressed confidence in the INDIA alliance, emphasising initiatives to uplift farmers and eradicate poverty as key priorities in their election manifesto.

The alliance between the Samajwadi Party and the Congress in Uttar Pradesh aims to challenge the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections 2024, with the Congress contesting on 17 seats and the SP on the remaining 63 seats.