Political tensions are already rising in Uttar Pradesh even though the 2027 Assembly elections are still a year away. A sharp war of words has erupted between UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Owaisi brothers, especially AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, who openly challenged Yogi and hinted at expanding the party’s presence in Uttar Pradesh. The aggressive rhetoric suggests that religious polarization could become a major theme in the upcoming elections. The Owaisi brothers appear energized after AIMIM’s performance in municipal elections in states like Maharashtra and Bihar. The party is now reportedly preparing to contest around 200 seats in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to consolidate Muslim and Dalit votes. Political observers see this as a strategy to challenge both BJP and Samajwadi Party’s vote bases. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have downplayed AIMIM’s influence, claiming the party has limited ground presence in UP and that development politics will dominate. Reports also suggest AIMIM leaders are meeting regional political figures to strengthen alliances. With political statements intensifying, the UP election battle is expected to be highly competitive and polarised.

