Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will skip the INDIA bloc’s September 30 meeting in New Delhi, according to reports. Senior Samajwadi Party leaders will attend in his place while the party chief focuses on political commitments in Uttar Pradesh.

Reports said Yadav informed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of his decision, citing prior engagements. The meeting is expected to discuss the SIR electoral-roll controversy and a joint opposition strategy against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to news reports.

The absence comes amid visible strain between the Samajwadi Party and Congress. Reports point to a seat-sharing dispute ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, with the Congress reportedly seeking 105 to 115 seats — a demand the regional party has resisted. Om Prakash Rajbhar publicly attacked the SP chief over the no-show, according to media clips.

The development highlights growing cracks in the opposition alliance ahead of the high-stakes strategy meeting.