Lucknow, March 10 -- In its push to move beyond its Uttar Pradesh-centric identity and gain national party status, the Samajwadi Party is ready to take the plunge in the Assam assembly polls.

The SP state leadership from Assam recently met Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav at the party headquarters in Lucknow to discuss the upcoming elections, according to people aware of the matter.

Looking to expand its presence in the Northeast, the SP's Assam outreach is seen as a long-term bet on building grassroots networks in non-traditional territories.

The party is likely to field candidates in minority dominated areas and once candidates are announced, Akhilesh Yadav may also campaign for them, those privy to the issue said. T...