SP’s Focus on Dalit Politics Intensifies
In Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state, caste politics—especially among OBCs and Dalits—has long been a defining feature of elections. Traditionally dominated by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) under Mayawati’s leadership, Dalit votes are now being actively targeted by the Samajwadi Party (SP) as Akhilesh Yadav tries to reshape the party’s social base.
Three Key Appointments Signal Strategic Shift
To gain a foothold in the Dalit community, especially among Jatav voters (BSP’s core support base), Akhilesh Yadav has made three major political moves:
- Awadhesh Prasad: A senior Dalit leader who was given prominence in the SP’s campaign and played a key role in challenging BJP narratives.
- Ramji Lal Suman: A former BSP MP, Suman has now been brought into the SP fold, signaling efforts to attract traditional BSP voters.
- Indrajit Saroj: Another former BSP stalwart, Saroj’s inclusion helps SP build credibility among Dalit voters while projecting a more inclusive image.
Challenge to Mayawati’s Hold on Dalit Voters
These moves clearly indicate that SP is positioning itself as an alternative to BSP for Dalit voters, particularly in regions where BSP’s influence has weakened. Akhilesh’s approach seems to be a calculated attempt to fragment Mayawati’s traditional vote bank by aligning with prominent Dalit faces who were once loyal to her.
A Larger Political Realignment in the Making
By combining OBC strength with growing Dalit outreach, Akhilesh Yadav appears to be aiming for a broader social coalition ahead of key elections. While it’s still uncertain how successful this strategy will be, it marks a significant shift in SP’s political playbook and presents a direct challenge to Mayawati’s legacy.
