Game Of Friends, Rivals And Allies Begins As Parties Prep For UP Polls 2027

The game in Uttar Pradesh politics has only just begun, but the real drama is yet to unfold. With the UP assembly elections scheduled for February 2027, political parties have already started their preparations.

The BJP is currently engaged in a series of meetings. And with the elections in mind, the UP cabinet was recently expanded, resulting in the induction of six new ministers and the granting of independent charge to two others.

The BJP intends to contest the elections in alliance with the Rashtriya Lok Dal, Apna Dal, Nishad Party, and the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party. Through this coalition, the BJP aims to successfully navigate and balance the complex caste equations of UP.

As a counter-strategy to this, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has introduced the 'PDA' formula - an acronym representing the coalition of Pichhda (backward classes), Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (minorities).

The Opposition bloc INDIA's precise configuration in UP remains unclear. Although formal negotiations between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party have not yet started, leaders from both parties have been engaging in a war of words. A significant development, however, was when two Congress leaders went directly to BSP leader Mayawati's house to meet her.

Although the meeting itself did not materialise, this move by the Congress certainly injected a new intensity into the political atmosphere of UP. Consequently, the Samajwadi Party was compelled to declare that it is preparing to contest all the 403 assembly seats. Shortly thereafter, state Congress chief Ajay Rai issued a similar statement asserting that the Congress, too, is preparing to contest all the seats solo.

However, certain political events that have transpired since the West Bengal assembly elections are unlikely to be viewed as auspicious signs for the INDIA bloc. For instance, during the Bengal elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi took a highly aggressive stance against Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, but Akhilesh Yadav went to Kolkata to stand in solidarity with Banerjee, a move that likely did not sit well with the Congress leadership.

It is pertinent to note here that during the previous Lok Sabha elections, the Samajwadi Party gave one seat in UP to the Trinamool. Political leaders from Delhi to Lucknow indicated that an alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party is indeed inevitable, but intense bargaining and negotiations on seat-sharing are certainly to be expected.

The Congress and the Samajwadi Party had previously contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together, with the Samajwadi Party contesting on 62 Lok Sabha seats. The party won 37 seats, whereas the Congress contested 17 seats and won six. In light of this, the Congress asserts its claim to contest at least 70 seats, while the Samajwadi Party does not appear to be in a position to offer more than 50.

Extrapolating the results of the Lok Sabha elections onto the assembly constituencies, the Samajwadi Party held the lead in 184 assembly segments, while the Congress led in 39. Whenever the Congress and the Samajwadi Party sit down face-to-face to negotiate an alliance, discussions will inevitably revolve around these very figures.

However, there is another crucial factor weighing on Akhilesh Yadav's mind: the imperative to prevent a fragmentation of the Muslim vote. This time around in UP, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi is poised to field candidates in approximately 50 constituencies, specifically in regions such as Moradabad, Saharanpur, Azamgarh, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, and Mau. This is precisely why the SP will need the Congress's help to prevent a splintering of the Muslim vote base in these specific areas.

The Congress is making concerted efforts to somehow bring Mayawati into the fold of this alliance. Else, she is likely to attempt to disrupt the Samajwadi Party's prospects by fielding a large number of Muslim candidates. Many political observers believe that the BSP contesting independently, combined with a potential alliance between Owaisi and the Azad Samaj Party led by Chandrashekhar Azad, could work to the BJP's advantage. All things considered, as far as UP is concerned, it can be said for now that the game has only just begun and the real drama is yet to unfold.

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BCCI Selectors Want To 'Move On' From SKY, But Final Decision With One Man

Suryakumar Yadav's future as India's T20 captain could primarily be decided by head coach Gautam Gambhir, as the national selection committee is not entirely convinced that he can make it to the team purely as a batter, according to a senior BCCI source. Suryakumar, who was given the moniker SKY by Gambhir, has been struggling for form for a year now.Within the BCCI, it is understood that the selection panel is in favour of moving on from him, but the Board hierarchy also recognises that the coach-captain equation is integral to the dressing-room environment. And Gambhir's stated comfort with Suryakumar will make him a key figure in the final call.

For close to a year now, Suryakumar's place in the side has remained under scrutiny. At the moment, it is understood that all five selectors largely believe that the current T20 captain should be dropped from the XI.

The view has been gaining ground ever since the emotional dust of the T20 World Cup triumph settled. The selectors, it is learnt, began seeing the future of Indian cricket through a wider lens instead of focusing on the glow of a single tournament.

"Initially, the selectors thought that the IPL would help Suryakumar regain form like the last edition when he crossed 700 runs. But strangely, there hasn't been any technical course correction in his game.

"Even the rookiest of pacers are just bowling straight hard lengths, and he has no answer. Selectors don't see him playing the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. It is as simple as that," a senior BCCI source told PTI.

The numbers do make for grim reading.

Suryakumar managed only 210 runs from 12 innings at a strike rate of 148 but, more alarmingly, averaged below 18 -- statistics that have sharply contrasted with the aura surrounding one of modern T20 cricket's most inventive batters.

"If someone can't earn his place as a batter, how can he be a leader? Hence, it is difficult to retain him, but Ajit (Agarkar) and Gautam need to be on the same page," the source said.

And therein lies the intrigue.

Gambhir is not known to operate as a ceremonial head coach.

Those familiar with his working style insist that in any set-up he oversees, the final word often rests with him. More importantly, his relationship with Suryakumar has remained exceptionally warm.

This means that if Gambhir chooses to back Suryakumar and veto the move to sack him, the selection committee may be forced to postpone the inevitable.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Watch: Arjun Tendulkar Scalps 1st Wicket Of IPL 2026, Muted Celebrates Follows

Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, made his debut for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2026 on Saturday, and also took his first wicket of the tournament. Tendulkar bowled an inch-perfect yorker in his third over to dismiss Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener Prabhsimran Singh, trapping him LBW. The left-arm pacer, however, did not celebrate it much, with LSG in a losing position. Tendulkar had a golden opportunity to dismiss Prabhsimran in his very first over, but LSG skipper Rishabh Pant squandered a simple catch.

When Tendulkar got Prabhsimran's wicket on the final ball of the 15th over, PBKS were already in the driving seat and on their way to victory, chasing a target of 197.

Tendulkar was not animated in his celebration, instead just exchanging high-fives with some of his teammates.

WATCH: Arjun Tendulkar takes his first wicket of IPL 2026

Yorker on point

Arjun Tendulkar denied earlier by a dropped catch but fetches his maiden #LSG wicket

Updates https://t.co/2ADKr4dqhi#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #LSGvPBKS | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/DiCZbP7GCB

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 23, 2026

The 26-year-old was one of LSG's better bowlers despite their defeat, finishing with figures of 1/36 in four overs.

He had a big opportunity to pick up Prabhsimran's wicket in his first over, as the PBKS star gloved a short delivery. However, Rishabh Pant uncharacteristically dropped a catch.

Tendulkar also got a chance to bat towards the end, making 5 runs in as many balls.

Tendulkar had been traded to LSG ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. It was the first time that he had joined a franchise other than Mumbai Indians (MI), where his father Sachin had played for six seasons.

Punjab Kings ultimately clinched victory over LSG to keep their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes alive. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer slammed a stunning unbeaten 101 to guide his side to victory with two overs to go.

PBKS ended their six-game losing streak and necessarily so, moving up to 15 points with their seventh win of the IPL 2026 season. Their qualification to the playoffs depends on how Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fare on the final day of the league stage.

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Jaipur Woman Dies By Suicide After Domestic Abuse, Children Recount Torture

A case of alleged domestic abuse in Jaipur has left two children without their mother. The victim, Anu Meena, allegedly died by suicide by hanging herself. Both children were witnesses to their parents' constant quarrels.

Anu married Gautam Meena, an executive engineer in the Public Works Department, in 2015. Allegations suggest that soon after marriage, Gautam began harassing her, often under the influence of alcohol. He reportedly abused and physically assaulted her multiple times.

Their son, 10-year-old Mahir, said that his father frequently beat his mother. He recalled an incident when his father came home and assaulted Anu. 

Mahir also mentioned that his mother had asked him to give her salt water whenever her blood pressure dropped. On one occasion, while he tried to help her, his father dismissed the situation. "Dad would often hit Mom and torment her. One day, he came home, played a song on the TV, then smashed the television set and beat Mom. I went to get the water, but Dad blamed Mom," Mahir said. 

Their daughter, eight-year-old Samayra, also recounted frequent fights between her parents, including public arguments at social gatherings and even during a family trip.

On April 7, Anu allegedly died by suicide after enduring ongoing abuse. Before taking the extreme step, she made a video call to her husband and carried out the act during the call. Neighbours rushed to the scene and informed her family. Despite attempts to revive her through CPR, she could not be saved.

Anu's mother, 56-year-old Maya, recalled that Anu often complained about her husband's behaviour but never imagined the situation would end this way. She said she missed a call that day and now feels she could have prevented the tragedy.

Days after the incident, Mahir accessed his mother's phone and retrieved several videos, including footage of an altercation. Anu had recorded a video inside the car in which Gautam can be clearly heard hurling verbal abuse at her. In the video, Gautam is seen verbally abusing both Anu and her family. 

Anu's brother, Neeraj Meena, said the family had repeatedly urged her to return home, but she chose to stay, concerned about her husband's well-being. He added that Gautam would often apologise after episodes of violence, which led the family to believe the situation might improve.

He further alleged that even after the incident, Gautam showed no remorse and reportedly stated that going to jail for a few days would not be a problem.

Police have initiated an investigation, and statements from the victim's family have been recorded. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and other evidence as part of the probe.

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(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)

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Arjun Tendulkar Reacts After Pant Blunder Costs Him 1st Wicket. Watch

Arjun Tendulkar had an eventful first outing for his new IPL outfit Lucknow Super Giants against Punjab Kings. It was the all-rounder's new beginning in the IPL. Arjun, who is the son of Sachin Tendulkar, came on late in the innings and scored five runs. He bowled an economical first over where he gave away just four runs. It could have been even better had LSG captain Rishabh Pant taken a catch behind the stumps.

Pant was furious with himself after he let go of a tough chance in the seventh over of the innings. It was a short delivery around leg, as Prabhsimran rushed into the pull shot. The ball went off the glove to the left of Pant, who leapt across and got both gloves to it, but the ball slipped out. Prabhsimran went on to score 69 off 39 balls.

Pant was frustrated, as was Tendulkar.

A massive chance goes down!

Prabhsimran Singh gets a lifeline

Will this prove costly for LSG?#TATAIPL Race to Playoffs 2026 #LSGvPBKS | LIVE NOW https://t.co/YCEmm7Idoa pic.twitter.com/ebUXQd6MO2

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 23, 2026

Josh Inglis made a typically punishing 72, guiding Lucknow Super Giants to a handy 196 for six against Punjab Kings, who need to win this match to stay alive in the race to the IPL playoffs here on Saturday. Inglis and Pant (26, 21b) added 65 runs for the fourth wicket as the already-eliminated Super Giants recovered from a shaky 69 for three in the seventh over. Inglis 42-ball innings had two phases in it. The first part contained an opening over assault on Arshdeep Singh, four fours fetching the Aussie 16 runs. But then he left the stage for Ayush Badoni, who came to the crease after the early dismissal of Arshin Kulkarni, who opened in the place of Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran. Badoni took the centre stage in some style, making an 18-ball 43 and added 49 runs for the third wicket with Inglis. He creamed Azmatuallah Omarzai, the No.1 all rounder as per ICC rankings, for 24 runs in the fifth over, and the run glut included a sequence of 4,6,6,4. It helped LSG recover from the early departures of two top-order batters and end the power play at a rather fine 66 for two. But Badoni's daredevilry ended soon as Prabhsimran Singh effected a smart stumping off Yuzvendra Chahal, and DRS upheld its validity. However, Inglis woke up from his stupor with a slew of sparkling shots around the ground, and he started the second segment of his innings smashing a six, four and four in a row of Arshdeep. In all, Inglis milked Arshdeep for six fours and two sixes, extending the India left-arm pacer's lean season. It brought Pant and Inglis together. Pant, who was dropped on 18 by Shreyas Iyer at covers off Chahal, was not at his fluent best, but stayed there to give some valuable company to Inglis. The Aussie right-hander reached his fifty in 28 balls but lost the company of Pant, who fell to Chahal (2/25). Inglis eventually fell to part-timer Shahshank Singh, giving an easy catch to Shreyas, who had stationed himself at a more straight long-on position. Abdul Samad (37 not out, 20 balls) belted a couple of big hits but once Mukul Choudhary fell to Marco Jansen (2/33) cheaply, LSG's hopes of crossing 200 evaporated.

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Ganguly Turns Back The Clock, Slams Century In Viral Video. Internet Reacts

Former Indian cricket team batter Sourav Ganguly rolled back the years as he played some beautiful shots to score 132 runs off just 68 balls in a viral gully cricket clip. Ganguly, who was well known for his elegant off-side shots, showed off his batting prowess and even slammed few trademark sixes straight down the group during the informal match. Internet was left stunned as the 53-year-old looked completely at ease and social media users were all praise for his batting. Ganguly scored 131 in his debut Test match against England and during this knock, he decided to score 1 more.

During the video, Ganguly was given two 'lives' which meant he could afford to get dismissed once. He reached his half-century in 33 balls and ended up losing his first 'life' at 75. However, there was no stopping as he raced to the century in 58 deliveries.

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Following his century, the wicket-keeper urged Ganguly to recreate his iconic Lord's celebration. However, he remained in high sprits and ended his knock on 132.

Earlier, during his appearance on Raj Shamani's podcast, Ganguly said that he had no idea Indian players were approached to do 'match-fixing'. 

He spoke to Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, asking them if any of them had been approached by someone to do such a thing. 

"The issues that the Indian team faced just before I became captain - betting, match-fixing - I didn't even know about these things. I kept asking Sachin [Tendulkar] and Rahul [Dravid] 'Does it actually happen? Has anyone approached you?' Because no one had approached me. So, I spoke to Sachin, 'Tujhe kisi ne poocha?' He said no. We all used to play both formats - Tests and one-dayers. Asked Anil [Kumble] too, he said 'No. Nobody asked me'. So, I wasn't too sure what it even was. That [captaincy] was the job in hand. So, I didn't have these things in mind," Ganguly opened up on the Raj Shamani podcast.

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Kohli Scripts History, Shatters Sensational World Record. Babar Also In Race

Royal Challengers Bengaluru star batter Virat Kohli shattered a sensational world record during the IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. Kohli stitched together a 60-run stand with Venkatesh Iyer for the opening wicket and it was the 211st 50-plus stand that he was a part of in T20 cricket. Kohli currently holds the record for being a part of the most 50-plus stands in men's T20 as he surpassed former England cricket team batter Alex Hales. David Warner is third in the elite list with 200, Pakistan's Babar Azam with 196 while West Indies legend Chris Gayle was a part of 191 50-plus stands.

Batters involved in most 50-plus stands in Men's T20s

211 - Virat Kohli*

210 - Alex Hales

200 - David Warner

196 - Babar Azam

191 - Chris Gayle

Coming to the match, Ishan Kishan (79) top-scored as Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 255 for four against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their Indian Premier League match on Friday.

SRH were also well served by half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma (56) and Heinrich Klaasen (51).

Kishan and Klaasen put on 113 runs for the third wicket in what turned out to be a successful outing for the SRH batters.

For RCB, Rasikh Salam Dar was pick among the bowlers taking 2/52.

"Yeah, it was a lovely innings. Struggled there in the first couple of balls, but that one over (27 runs off Hazlewood) just got me back on track. (Your score was 5 after 9 balls and then you took off. What suddenly made you do that?) 5 from 12 is a little bit under pressure in this format (laughs). The team is going at 11-12, so I had to catch up very quickly. So it's either get out or catch up with the rate. Yeah, I felt the wicket was a little bit slow, so I just struggled to find that timing and I think I might have looked for too many up front and then once I found my balance, it was a little bit easier. (Does help with Ishan Kishan being in full flow?) Yeah, and obviously it will help very much if you dovetail in your partnership. I think we've done that incredibly well this season in the middle order. (Pitch will slow up a bit more as the game progresses?) I would hope so (laughs)."

"I can't see that it will get any better. History tells that it might slow up a little bit more. (The fact that you're already in the playoffs made you play freely, at least the top order?) Yeah, it's a game that you can really try something if you really need to. That's why after a couple of balls I pulled the trigger (smiles). But it's a nice game to play and you never know what can happen. If you want an incredible score and it might make them a little bit nervous, couple of early wickets, you never know what can happen," Heinrich Klaasen said during the innings break.

(With agency inputs)

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