NEW DELHI: Congress said it will go alone in the 2017 elections in Uttar Pradesh, seeking to put to rest the theory that the party would try to stitch a Bihar-like alliance in the state.At a brainstorming session called by the central leadership, state Congress leaders were unanimous in their view that the party should not tie up with either of the outfits, SP or BSP , in the state. They also said the party should project a chief ministerial face to contest the elections alone.Congress has also decided to come up with a programme for the state in the coming days to position itself as a serious contender for power.AICC spokesman R P N Singh said, "The party will start making preparations for the mega contest keeping in mind the settled issue of alliance."Relegated to a marginal presence in UP, a big section of Congress prefers a tie-up with either SP or BSP, a view that gained impetus after results in Bihar where a mega anti-BJP alliance handed Congress a share in power despite its thin clout.But the stumbling block in UP is how seriously would SP or BSP regard Congress as an ally. The party would have to cede a huge majority of 402 seats, not a prospect to its liking. Also, with elections a year and half away, prolonged speculation on alliance would discourage workers from taking up political action against rivals. Thus, the leadership has chosen to send a clear message to workers.Also, many suggested that local leaders should be projected in the campaign and Rahul Gandhi should be used sparingly to push the party's case.