LUCKNOW, Nov. 12 -- Amid talks of an alliance with the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Uttar Pradesh Congress has decided to formally launch its election preparedness meetings from Friday. As part of it, party's district, city unit presidents and frontal organisation office-bearers will meet state's top leadership, including UPCC chief Aradhana Mishra.

Tarun Punia, the party's Barabanki MP and UP Congress SC/ST cell's chairperson, gave this information at a press conference here on Thursday. Asked how many seats the Congress will contest, Punia said, "That is for the top leadership to decide. We have to support all INDIA bloc candidates. The launch of election preparedness meets is for all 403 constituencies."

"Party's UP in-charge Rajendra P...