Overview

• Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav claims Uttar Pradesh ranks highest in atrocities against Dalits under BJP rule, urging the community to reject the ruling party.
• Yadav promotes the SP’s PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) platform as a vehicle for marginalized community upliftment and criticizes low representation of Dalits in key government postings.
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati accuses the SP of historical casteism, citing the 1995 Lucknow guest house attack and renaming of Dalit-icon institutions.
• The SP counters Mayawati’s criticism by highlighting its consistent advocacy for Dalit and marginalized interests in parliamentary proceedings and public campaigns.
• With Dalits comprising 21% of Uttar Pradesh’s population, political analysts emphasize their pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes as parties vie for their support.