In Uttar Pradesh politics, Nasimuddin Siddiqui, a former BSP leader and ex-Congress member, is set to join the Samajwadi Party (SP) on 15 February, ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Alongside him, several former MLAs and leaders, including ex-minister Anis Ahmed (Phool Babu) and Apna Dal’s former UP president, will also join SP under the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav. Nasimuddin Siddiqui, a prominent Muslim political figure from Banda and Bundelkhand, resigned from Congress on 24 January after failed efforts to retain him. He subsequently toured multiple districts to consolidate his support base. Anis Ahmed, a key BSP leader with strong influence in Pilibhit, is also joining the SP. This move is seen as a strategic strengthening of SP’s Muslim voter base in Western UP, Bundelkhand, and other regions, giving the party an edge ahead of the upcoming elections. With the inclusion of these senior leaders, SP aims to consolidate its electoral presence and leadership appeal among minority communities.


