Elections – With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for early next year, senior Congress leader Nasimuddin Siddiqui has resigned from the party, signalling a significant political shift in the state. After weeks of consultations and internal discussions, Siddiqui is widely expected to align with the Samajwadi Party, strengthening the opposition bloc ahead of the crucial electoral battle.
On Friday, shortly after offering namaz, Siddiqui met with his supporters to inform them of his decision. According to party insiders, he had spent nearly 20 days travelling across various districts in the state, assessing ground-level sentiment and speaking directly with workers and community leaders.
Those close to him said the meetings played a decisive role in shaping his next move. His discussions reportedly focused on consolidating anti-BJP votes and evaluating the prospects of working with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Siddiqui is believed to have concluded that joining the SP would allow him to play a more active role in the upcoming campaign.
In his resignation letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddiqui cited neglect within the party as the primary reason for his departure. He indicated dissatisfaction over his role and influence in recent months, suggesting that his political standing had diminished within the organization.
Siddiqui began his political career with the Bahujan Samaj Party and rose to prominence during Mayawati’s tenure as Chief Minister. He served as a cabinet minister in her government and built a strong network, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh.
Over the years, he earned a reputation as a leader with considerable influence among minority voters in the region. His grassroots connections and organizational experience are expected to be valuable assets for any party preparing for a tightly contested election.
His possible shift to the Samajwadi Party could alter local political equations, especially in constituencies where minority votes play a decisive role.
Meanwhile, political circles are abuzz with speculation about a possible tacit understanding between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. The discussion gained traction following developments after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
BSP chief Mayawati had expelled her nephew Akash Anand from the party, reportedly over his sharp remarks against the BJP during a rally in Sitapur. Since then, observers have pointed to signs suggesting a softer stance between the two parties.
On October 9, 2025, Mayawati publicly thanked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for maintaining memorials and monuments constructed during her tenure. The gesture drew attention from political analysts, who viewed it as an unusual display of goodwill between rival parties.
Earlier this year, Mayawati was allotted a Type-8 bungalow in Delhi. As a national party president, she is typically eligible for a Type-6 or Type-7 residence. The development has added to ongoing speculation about evolving political equations in the state.
While no formal alliance has been announced, the perception of improved relations between the BJP and BSP has become a subject of discussion among political observers.
In a separate incident that captured public attention, a 24-year-old woman from Auraiya district went missing under unusual circumstances, leading to widespread rumours in her village.
Residents of Singanpur were startled when the woman, identified as Reena, disappeared from her home. Family members discovered what appeared to be a five-foot snake slough on her bed, along with personal belongings including bangles, rings, and clothes. The unusual discovery prompted speculation among villagers, some claiming a mystical transformation.
As word spread, locals gathered outside the house, and authorities were informed. Police later tracked the woman’s mobile phone and confirmed that she had left voluntarily. Investigators determined that she had eloped with her partner.
Officials urged residents not to give credence to rumours and advised the public to rely on verified information rather than speculation.
