AGRA: Intensifying its outreach to Dalit voters ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has coined a new slogan, “Save Vote, Save Constitution.” Addressing a Dalit conference in Agra on Sunday, SP President Akhilesh Yadav asserted that Dalit voters will unseat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from power in the state. He promised that if his party forms the next government, it will establish the rule of law and prioritize social justice.
Vigilance Over Voter Rolls and Countering BJP Rhetoric
Speaking at the event organized by Rajya Sabha MP Ramjilal Suman, Yadav urged party workers to remain alert during the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls, alleging potential tampering with votes. He claimed the ruling BJP is anxious because Dalits have actively registered to protect their voting rights, while Muslim voters have similarly safeguarded their votes during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Citing the SP’s improved performance in the Lok Sabha elections, Yadav contended that the ruling party senses its weakening position.
Responding to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent remarks regarding a decline in Hindu votes, Yadav said that anyone who speaks in terms of an 80-versus-20 divide cannot be a true yogi, framing the upcoming contest as a battle between 95 percent and five percent. He emphasized that the nation will run by the Constitution rather than Manuvidhan, adding that safeguarding voting rights is essential to protect the dignity of Dalits. Countering senior BJP leader Amit Shah’s recent analogy in Lucknow comparing the BJP’s foothold to Angad’s immovable foot, Yadav redefined the ‘D’ in his PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) alliance as “Damdar Dalit” (strong Dalits), asserting they would pull the ground from beneath the BJP’s feet.
Focus on Governance Issues and Manifesto Promises
With Dalits accounting for roughly 30 percent of Agra’s electorate and the Bahujan Samaj Party’s influence waning, the SP is actively seeking to expand its base among Scheduled Caste voters, a strategy also reflected in fielding an SC candidate from the general seat of Ayodhya. During his address, Yadav highlighted pressing public grievances, including exam paper leaks, the closure of primary schools, vacant government posts, and rising crimes against women. Offering another interpretation of PDA as a coalition of the distressed, aggrieved, and humiliated, he accused the state administration of neglecting these sections.
Expressing concern over incidents of vandalism targeting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statues across Uttar Pradesh, the SP chief pledged to provide statutory legal protection for these monuments if voted to power. He also announced plans to introduce a special welfare package specifically aimed at the upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Critique of Rival Alliances Ahead of Manifesto Launch
Without naming the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) or the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), Yadav took aim at a potential alliance between the two outfits. Referring to them as political tourists, he remarked that their remote control lies in someone else’s hands, adding that the string of AIMIM’s kite symbol is also held by external forces.
The Samajwadi Party is scheduled to release its election manifesto on November 26. Party leaders view the Agra conference and the renewed emphasis on social justice as central pillars of their campaign strategy, with the upcoming manifesto expected to outline detailed welfare schemes for Dalit and tribal communities.
