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16 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Ex-Congress Minister Nasimuddin Siddiqui Joins Samajwadi Party

Former U.P. Minister Nasimuddin Siddiqui joins Samajwadi Party ahead of 2027 elections.

Ex-Congress Minister Nasimuddin Siddiqui Joins Samajwadi Party

Photo by shalender kumar

Former Uttar Pradesh Minister Nasimuddin Siddiqui joined the Samajwadi Party (SP), along with other leaders. Akhilesh Yadav welcomed them, stating it strengthens the social justice movement. Siddiqui, formerly with the BSP and Congress, aims to form an SP government in U.P. for the 2027 elections. Political observers suggest this move indicates unease between Congress and SP, despite being INDIA bloc constituents.

Key Facts

1.

Nasimuddin Siddiqui is a former Uttar Pradesh Minister.

2.

Siddiqui has joined the Samajwadi Party (SP).

3.

He was previously with the BSP and Congress.

4.

Akhilesh Yadav welcomed Siddiqui to the SP.

5.

Siddiqui aims to form an SP government in U.P. for the 2027 elections.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Political parties and their role

2.

GS Paper II: Constitution - Anti-defection law and its implications

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on political realignment

In Simple Words

Nasimuddin Siddiqui, a former minister from Uttar Pradesh, has joined the Samajwadi Party (SP). He used to be with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and then the Congress. He aims to help the SP form a government in Uttar Pradesh in the 2027 elections.

India Angle

In India, political parties often try to gain strength by bringing in leaders from other parties. This can shift the balance of power and affect which party wins elections, impacting the policies that affect everyday life.

For Instance

Think of it like when a popular teacher moves from one school to another; students might follow, changing the dynamics of both schools.

When politicians switch parties, it can change the direction of government policies and affect the services and opportunities available to citizens.

Political shifts can lead to policy shifts; stay informed to understand how it impacts you.

Visual Insights

Uttar Pradesh Political Landscape

Map showing Uttar Pradesh, where Nasimuddin Siddiqui joined the Samajwadi Party, influencing the state's political dynamics for the 2027 elections.

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📍Uttar Pradesh
More Information

Background

Political parties in India often undergo changes in their composition as leaders and members switch allegiances. This is influenced by various factors such as policy differences, leadership styles, and electoral prospects. The anti-defection law, enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, aims to prevent defections by legislators from one party to another, but it has certain exceptions and complexities. Uttar Pradesh, being a politically significant state, witnesses frequent shifts in political alignments. The Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress party have a history of both cooperation and competition. They are currently part of the INDIA bloc, an alliance of opposition parties formed to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, regional dynamics and individual ambitions can sometimes lead to friction and realignment, as seen in the recent joining of Nasimuddin Siddiqui to the SP.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a trend of leaders switching parties, often citing dissatisfaction with their former party's policies or leadership. This has led to debates about the effectiveness of the anti-defection law and the need for reforms to strengthen it. The Samajwadi Party has been focusing on consolidating its base in Uttar Pradesh, particularly among backward castes and minorities, in preparation for future elections. The party is also trying to forge alliances with other regional parties to increase its electoral prospects. The Congress party, on the other hand, is trying to revive its support base in Uttar Pradesh, where it has been facing electoral setbacks in recent years. Looking ahead, the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh is likely to remain dynamic, with parties constantly seeking to realign and consolidate their positions. The success of the INDIA bloc in the upcoming elections will depend on its ability to maintain unity and effectively challenge the BJP.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution: 1. It was inserted by the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985. 2. It disqualifies Members of Parliament and state legislatures from being members of other parties. 3. Decisions on questions regarding disqualification under the Tenth Schedule are subject to judicial review. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Tenth Schedule, also known as the anti-defection law, was indeed inserted into the Indian Constitution by the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Tenth Schedule disqualifies Members of Parliament and state legislatures if they voluntarily give up the membership of their political party or if they vote or abstain from voting contrary to the directions of their political party. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Supreme Court has held that decisions of the Speaker regarding disqualification under the Tenth Schedule are subject to judicial review.

2. In the context of recent political developments in Uttar Pradesh, what is the significance of the 'INDIA' bloc?

  • A.It is a coalition of parties led by the BJP to promote development in the state.
  • B.It is an alliance of opposition parties, including Congress and SP, formed to challenge the BJP.
  • C.It is a group of independent candidates contesting elections in Uttar Pradesh.
  • D.It is a social movement advocating for environmental protection in the state.
Show Answer

Answer: B

The 'INDIA' bloc is an alliance of opposition parties, including the Congress and SP, formed to challenge the BJP in the upcoming elections. The news mentions that despite being INDIA bloc constituents, the move of Nasimuddin Siddiqui to SP indicates unease between Congress and SP.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Samajwadi Party (SP)?

  • A.It is a political party primarily based in Uttar Pradesh.
  • B.It was founded by Mulayam Singh Yadav.
  • C.It primarily focuses on social justice and welfare of backward classes.
  • D.It has never formed a government in Uttar Pradesh.
Show Answer

Answer: D

Options A, B, and C are correct. The Samajwadi Party (SP) is indeed a political party primarily based in Uttar Pradesh, founded by Mulayam Singh Yadav, and focuses on social justice and welfare of backward classes. Option D is INCORRECT because the Samajwadi Party has formed governments in Uttar Pradesh multiple times.

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