One of the tallest Congress leaders in Uttar Pradesh, Imran Masood, today joined Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party in a big setback for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's party in India's most populous state, where elections will be held next month. Mr Masood said he is grateful to the Congress and said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was informed about his decision to quit as he sees a direct contest between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party.