Congress leadership weighs replacing UP in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam ahead of Assembly elections. (Image: X)

New Delhi: The Congress high command is reportedly unhappy with AICC Uttar Pradesh in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam and is considering replacing him ahead of the Assembly elections, party sources said.

Sources claimed that several complaints about Gautam's functioning had reached the party leadership. Following allegations involving financial transactions, the party reportedly sought bank statements from his staff. Gautam also submitted his bank statements, they said.

However, some Congress leaders believe replacing him when the elections are only months away could disrupt preparations. An alternative being discussed is the appointment of a senior observer to oversee election arrangements and seat-sharing negotiations with the Samajwadi Party.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is currently overseeing several election-related matters in Uttar Pradesh and has held meetings with senior state leaders.

Gautam's statements concerning the alliance with the SP have also caused unease within the party, sources said.

At a recent meeting, district Congress presidents reportedly conveyed that statements made by Gautam and some party MPs against the SP had placed local workers in an uncomfortable position, as they had to coordinate regularly with their alliance partners.

Congress and SP workers have developed an understanding over the past two years, but differences over seat-sharing have surfaced ahead of the elections.

Some Congress leaders have demanded an equal division of seats, suggesting that the party should contest nearly 200 constituencies.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav dismissed the controversy over the alleged demand for 200 seats, saying attempts to create divisions would only strengthen the PDA alliance. He also questioned who was responsible for posters targeting the alliance.

A hoarding in Lucknow carrying photographs of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra declared: "200 seats are our right; UP trusts Rahul Gandhi."

The Congress has reportedly shared a list of around 165 constituencies with the SP for negotiations. Sources said both parties were prepared to make compromises to pursue their common objective of defeating the BJP.

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