Lucknow, June 30 (IANS) Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai on Tuesday took potshots at the Congress’ new Uttar Pradesh in-charge, Rajendra Pal Gautam, over his seat-sharing statement, accusing him of attempting to “establish his own identity and remain in the news” as “no one knew him earlier”.

Gautam had sought an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the UP Assembly polls due next year.

“I would personally like there to be an equal share. The top leadership will decide once discussions take place. I am not authorised to make an announcement beforehand, but we will certainly advocate for an equal share,” Gautam told NDTV.

In response, the Samajwadi Party leader said: “He is new. No one in Uttar Pradesh knew him earlier, so he is making such statements to establish his identity. I would also request him that changing the government in Uttar Pradesh is far more important than making irresponsible remarks.”

“We should work together to strengthen the INDIA bloc. Speaking through the media will neither strengthen the alliance nor bring about a change in government,” he added.

“If there is something, then your party’s leadership should have a conversation with the leadership of our party or your (Congress) leadership can authorise you to take decisions…but he is making such statements just to create his own individual identity and remain in the news.”

Last month, Gautam, accompanied by other Congress leaders, made an unscheduled visit to BSP supremo Mayawati’s home in Lucknow but could not meet her.

Referring to the incident, Rai reiterated: “Nobody even knew him before that.”

“It is fine if he wants to do politics, but he should also work together in order to strengthen the INDIA bloc and fulfil the hopes of the people. Do not disappoint anyone.”

Stressing that the opposition alliance needs to remain united, he said: “People’s expectations from us have increased since we defeated them (Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026) in the Lok Sabha.”

Last week, Congress named Gautam, a former AAP leader and Delhi minister, as its new in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, replacing Ajay Kumar Lallu for the key assignment in the BJP-ruled state whose voters are scheduled to elect 403 new members of the Assembly around April 2027.

In the 2022 Assembly elections, the Congress had won only two seats.

–IANS

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