DMK backs Akhilesh Yadav's call to defeat BJP in UP polls

The DMK has backed Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav's stance that defeating the BJP is more important than seat-sharing negotiations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, urging all opposition parties to unite. DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan said the alliance's victory and defeating the BJP are paramount, and individual parties gaining a few extra seats is not significant. This support follows reports of friction between the Samajwadi Party and Congress over seat distribution, with Yadav stating on X that defeating the BJP and protecting democracy, the constitution, and reservation should be the primary goal. The speculation of a rift emerged amid opposition protests against the Election Commission and its special summary revision of voter lists. Congress's appointment of Imran Masood as working president of its Uttar Pradesh unit has been viewed as a bargaining tactic, with Masood recently making controversial remarks about the alliance's necessity.