Before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav has made a major change in his political strategy. They are now moving away from traditional caste equations (Yadav-Muslim) and adopting PDA (Backward, Dalit and Minority) formula as well as soft Hindutva. Experts are calling this a ‘neo-socialist’ strategy, that is, while saving the PDA base, adding a new color of soft Hindutva to it. But will this strategy be successful or not?

Aadhar 2024: PDA formula that changed the picture

The PDA formula is the same strategy which brought great success to SP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2019, BJP had won 64 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh. In 2024, this figure came down to 33, while SP won 37 seats. SP-Congress alliance won a total of 43 seats (37 SP and 6 Congress).

SP had won only 5 seats in 2019, which means in 2024, SP’s figure will increase from 5 to 37. This success is believed to be the contribution of PDA formula. On the basis of this, SP also won a big seat like Ayodhya. After this success, Akhilesh Yadav has also made PDA the center of his strategy for the 2027 assembly elections.

Extension of PDA: Scheme for 100 Dalit-Tribal candidates

SP has made a big plan to garner Dalit votes. In July 2026, SP planned to field Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates on 14 general seats for the 2027 elections. With this, including the reserved seats (84 SC and 2 ST), a total of 100 Dalit-Tribal candidates will be in the fray.

SP believes behind this step that Mayawati’s BSP is gradually fading from the electoral politics of Uttar Pradesh. SP can attract Dalit votes towards itself. SP had also fielded Dalit candidates on general seats like Meerut and Faizabad (Ayodhya) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Avadhesh Prasad won the Ayodhya seat, while Sunita Verma lost in Meerut by just 10,585 votes.

Soft Hindutva: New political style

Political expert Amitabh Tiwari says, ‘Akhilesh Yadav understands very well that it is difficult to return to power only on the basis of PDA. About 80% of the population of Uttar Pradesh is Hindu and majority cannot be achieved only on the basis of minorities or specific castes. A major reason for SP’s defeat in the 2017 and 2022 assembly elections was that the party suffered loss due to its Muslim appeasement image.

Amitabh Tiwari further said, ‘This time Akhilesh has made a systematic strategy to break that image, which can be called ‘Soft Hindutva’. This is not aggressive Hindutva, but an attempt to expand his party’s reach by showing respect for Hindu symbols, traditions and faith. It is an attempt to present an alternative, inclusive Hindu politics to the hard-line Hindutva of the BJP.

Akhilesh Yadav no longer wants to be seen only as the leader of Muslims and Yadavs. He wants to appear equally rooted in Sanatana Dharma traditions:

• Support of Hanuman Chalisa: He recited couplets of Hanuman Chalisa during Bade Mangal (festival of Hanuman ji celebrated on Tuesday in the month of Jyeshtha).
• Faith in Astrology: Akhilesh publicly said that he takes advice from astrologers and moves forward ‘only when the Pandit says’. He jokingly called himself a ‘new socialist’.
• Balance of laptop and faith: He is combining the politics of development, AI and laptops with religion, ritual and astrology.

Kedareshwar Mahadev Temple: Project worth more than Rs 50 crore

Akhilesh has constructed Shri Kedareshwar Mahadev Temple in his native city Etawah. According to media reports, it is said that more than Rs 50 crore will be spent on this.

• Statue of child form Ram in the temple: A child idol of Lord Ram has been installed in the temple premises.
• Shivshakti axis line: Akhilesh said that this temple is situated on the ‘Shivshakti axis line’, which makes it spiritually important.
• Inauguration: It is expected to be inaugurated in Sawan Shivratri (August 2026).

In April 2026, Akhilesh reached the temple and offered prayers and learned about the progress of the construction work. On the occasion of Ram Navami in March 2026, he informed about the installation of the idol of child-like Lord Ram in the temple.

Meeting Shankaracharya: Step towards Sanatan Dharma

On July 9, 2026, Akhilesh Yadav met Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath in Lucknow. This was their second meeting in four months. After this, Akhilesh shared the pictures on social media and wrote, ‘It was a privilege to get the darshan and blessings of respected Shankaracharya ji. A meaningful discussion was held to overcome the crisis facing Sanatan Dharma and to free the religion from the clutches of unrighteous people.

In 2015, when there was SP government and Akhilesh was the Chief Minister, the police had lathi charged the saints including Shankaracharya. Now Akhilesh is trying to change his image by meeting the same Shankaracharya. Earlier, Akhilesh’s wife and MP Dimple Yadav had met Shankaracharya during his Padyatra in Mainpuri. Under this strategy, hoardings of ‘Sanatan Hi Samajwadi Hai’ were also put up outside the SP headquarters.

Ram temple donation controversy: weapon to corner BJP

Akhilesh is continuously raising the issue of theft of offerings in Ayodhya Ram temple. He said, ‘This incident has worried Sanatanis all over the world. The one who was given the responsibility has committed a big sin by distorting the established dignity of Lord Ram.

Akhilesh also raised questions on the formation of SIT on the Ram temple donation controversy. They argue that this is an insult to Sanatan Dharma.

What answer did BJP give?

BJP termed this strategy of Akhilesh as ‘election drama’. Yogi Adityanath taunted that now it seems Akhilesh is also going to wear saffron. However, BJP had to do damage control on the issue of ‘misbehavior’ with Shankaracharya. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak tried to calm the resentment among Brahmins by worshiping Shankaracharya’s disciples.

Then what are the challenges before Akhilesh Yadav?

Political expert Rashid Kidwai says that Akhilesh is now walking on such a political line, in which both social justice and religious-cultural identity will have to be taken together. Akhilesh Yadav faces two big challenges:

• Alliance with Congress: The biggest challenge facing Akhilesh is the issue of seat-sharing with Congress.
• Balancing the caste equation: Of the 97 district presidents of SP, 70% are Yadavs or Muslims, which means that despite the slogan of PDA, the backward classes and Dalits have not got full support in the organization.

Will Akhilesh’s ‘Sanatan’ bet succeed?

Rashid Kidwai said, ‘This strategy has its own risks as well as opportunities. On one hand, this experiment of soft Hindutva may anger SP’s Muslim vote bank, which has always been the party’s most reliable base. This message can be sent to Muslims that the party is now turning a blind eye on their behalf and is compromising on its core ideology to woo Hindu voters.

Rashid Kidwai further said, ‘On the other hand, this strategy can bring those non-Yadav OBC and Dalit Hindu voters closer to SP, who till now were keeping distance from the party considering it to be only a Muslim-Yadav party. If Akhilesh manages to attract even 5-7% non-Yadav Hindu votes through soft Hindutva while maintaining PDA, then the equation of 2027 can change completely.

Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (Subhashpa) President and Panchayati Raj Minister of Uttar Pradesh Om Prakash Rajbhar has supported Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati’s demand to give separate reservation to women from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) out of the 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and Assemblies.

When Om Prakash Rajbhar mentioned Mayawati’s demand while talking to reporters, he said that the demand of the BSP chief is absolutely justified and the MPs should raise this issue in the Parliament.

He said that on the lines of three-tier Panchayat elections, there should be a provision of reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies also.

What did Mayawati say?

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mayawati on Wednesday stated the need to give separate reservation to the women of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes out of the 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies, saying that not doing so would be like ‘negating’ the real objective of women’s reservation to a great extent.

Mayawati told reporters in Lucknow that although her party welcomes the process of taking forward the process of giving 33% reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and Assemblies, there is a lot of doubt whether the women of these classes will be able to get the full benefit of reservation due to not giving separate reservation to the women of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

He said, ‘Not doing so is like denying the real objective of women’s reservation to a great extent.’

Mayawati said that that is why her party has been continuously demanding 50% reservation for women from all sections of the society as per their population, but no party seems ready to accept it due to their ‘selfishness and compulsions’.

Om Prakash Rajbhar gave a scathing reaction to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s statement that BJP intends to postpone the census work by ‘hurrying’ the issue of women’s reservation.

He does not want women to get equal rights – Rajbhar

He said, ‘Akhilesh Yadav is definitely anti-women. When he did not comment on a Maulana’s statement regarding his wife, then we can understand how dedicated he is towards women. He does not want women to get equal rights.

Om Prakash Rajbhar said that the Central Government has called a three-day special session of the Parliament regarding women’s reservation, in which the opposition should present its views strongly.

Taking aim at the workers’ agitation in Noida regarding salary hike and other demands, the Panchayat Raj Minister said, ‘There are some miscreants in Noida who always keep conspiring to defame the government. When the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department held a press conference and informed about meeting the demand of increasing the salary from Rs 13 thousand to Rs 16.5 thousand, then even after that they are creating nuisance. SP and Congress have a hand in this.

This is the reason why political turmoil has already started in Varanasi for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Talking about four assembly seats in the urban area of ​​Varanasi district, Samajwadi Party already has a special eye on these two assembly seats. The names of these seats are North and South assembly seats of Varanasi. According to the information received from the Samajwadi Party official, the party has a special eye on the southern and northern assembly seats in the urban area of ​​Varanasi district.

Why are these seats so important for SP?

Actually, victory on these two seats depends not only on the candidate but on the ground organization of the party. This is the reason why SP wants to strengthen its urban hold by focusing on these two seats. The special thing is that mixed voters are also seen here, hence no single factor works here. There is a possibility of victory here only with the right candidate and the right caste equation. The current MLA from the North Assembly seat is Ravindra Jaiswal, who is also a minister in the cabinet. Jaiswal had defeated the Samajwadi Party candidate by a margin of 40,776 votes in the 2022 assembly elections, but this time during the Northern Assembly SIR, maximum number of voters have been left out of the list.

BJP’s MLA had won from the Southern Assembly seat, but the contest was very thorny. This time, there are many such topics from Gyanvapi to Dalmandi and businessmen, on the basis of which Samajwadi Party will try its best to attract voters. However, Bharatiya Janata Party has dominated these seats for decades. SP leaders are already keeping a special eye on the voters of every category in these seats.

Fight begins over ticket claim

The search for tickets for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections has already started. Talking about these two assembly seats, according to the information received, already 8 candidates are claiming tickets to contest the elections on these seats. Muslim candidates from the Northern Assembly are also included in this. However, it remains to be seen which candidates the Samajwadi Party expresses confidence in in the coming times.

Amidst speculations about postponement of Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh, the State Election Commission has announced by-elections in various urban bodies. These vacancies of various bodies of 10 districts are during the year 2025-26.

The Commission has declared by-elections for the post of President in Nagar Panchayat Katra of Shahjahanpur and Nagar Panchayat Fazilnagar of Kushinagar. Along with this, by-elections have been announced in municipal bodies of 8 more districts.

People traveling by UPSRTC buses in UP will get airport feel, 49 new bus stands will be built here.

Apart from this, there will also be by-election for the post of councilor in Alopibagh ward number 48 of Prayagraj. By-elections will be held for the posts of members in municipalities and nagar panchayats of 7 other districts – Etawah, Badaun, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Barabanki, Baghpat, Gonda and Mirzapur.

The seats on which by-elections will be held include ward number 40 of Etawah Municipal Council, ward number 28 of Badaun, ward number 12 of Jewar Nagar Panchayat of Gautam Buddha Nagar, ward number 5 of Nagar Panchayat Subeha of Barabanki and ward number 7 of Ramnagar. Along with this, ward number 23 of Baghpat Municipal Council, ward number 16 and 25 of Colonelganj Municipal Council of Gonda and ward number 36 of Mirzapur Municipal Council are also included.

UP Election 2027: Omprakash Rajbhar’s big statement regarding UP Assembly elections, said – ‘Quarrel over seats…’

When is the voting and counting for the by-elections?

The nomination process for the posts of member, president and councilor in these 9 districts will run daily from 11 am to 3 pm from April 10 to April 16. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on April 18, while withdrawal of nominations can be done till April 20. The allocation of election symbols will be done on 21st April.

Voting will take place from 7 am to 5 pm on May 5, while counting of votes will begin at 8 am on May 7 and the results will be declared on the same day. The above instructions regarding by-elections have been given by State Election Commissioner Raj Pratap Singh.

The stir has once again intensified in the politics of Uttar Pradesh. The phase of rhetoric has intensified in the politics of Uttar Pradesh. After Akhilesh Yadav, now BSP supremo Mayawati has also taken charge. Mayawati’s latest statement has made it clear that the political war is going to become more intense before the upcoming elections. Now everyone’s eyes are fixed on the answer of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has given clear indications of going into election mode after April 14. The way he cornered the government on issues like reservation, unemployment and inflation in the meeting of party officials in Lucknow, it is clear that BSP is now going to enter the field with an aggressive strategy.

In the meeting, Mayawati said that the true benefits of reservation for Dalits, tribals and backward classes can be availed only when the Bahujan Samaj government is in power. He said in clear words, “Without a Bahujan Samaj government, it is impossible to implement reservation with the right intention and policy.”

He accused the central and state governments of making the reservation system “weak and dysfunctional”. He also cornered the government on the issue of employment and poverty. He said that in a big state like Uttar Pradesh, the livelihood situation of the people is continuously worsening. “It is unfortunate that governments are trying to solve problems like hunger, poverty and unemployment through slogans and announcements,” he said.

BSP’s show of strength on 14th in Lucknow
BSP supremo Mayawati has made it clear that the candidates for the upcoming elections will be selected keeping in mind the representation of all sections. He also called upon the workers to reach Lucknow in large numbers on Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti on 14th April and pay homage at the Ambedkar memorial. This is being seen as a show of strength by BSP.

Who will get BSP ticket? Mayawati’s big signal amidst Brahmin anger, entry of criminals completely closed
Before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2027, political turmoil regarding tickets has intensified. BSP chief Mayawati has made it clear that this time there will be strictness in the selection of candidates – and the biggest indication is that people with criminal image will not get tickets under any circumstances.

Mayawati said, “The process of selection of candidates has started. The party has announced candidates for many assembly seats and selection is going on for the remaining seats, which will be announced after the approval of the national leadership.”

He gave clear instructions that before sending the names of the candidates, their names should be thoroughly investigated. “BSP will strictly refrain from giving tickets to criminal elements in the assembly elections.” That means it is clear – this time only those whose image is clean will get the ticket.

Amidst the discussion of resentment of Brahmin class in the state, BSP has again put forward the line ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaay’. Mayawati said, “BSP is different from other political parties, its words and actions are governed by the principle of ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaay’ and fair and equal representation will be given to all sections of the society in the selection of candidates.” This means that work is being done on a strategy to provide balanced representation to Dalits, OBCs, Brahmins and Muslims.

BSP’s performance in the last few elections has been weak, but Mayawati’s aggressive stance indicates that the party is trying to regain its lost ground. Issues like reservation, social justice, inflation and unemployment directly affect the big vote bank. In such a situation, BSP is preparing its election strategy keeping these issues at the center. Political experts believe that if BSP is able to strengthen the organization at the grassroots level, then it can again play an important role in the coming elections.

Former CM of Uttar Pradesh Mayawati has made a big verbal attack on the Indian National Congress and the Samajwadi Party for demanding Bharat Ratna for Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram. Without naming them, he even declared some Dalit leaders as ‘Chamcha’ of SP and Congress. However, Mayawati did not mention Bharatiya Janata Party even once in her post.

Mayawati wrote on social media site

He wrote that while these parties have been engaged in destroying BSP since the beginning, the party of which Honorable Kanshi Ram himself has laid the foundation. Which cannot be shaken by anyone as long as his sole successor and BSP national president is alive.

Always ignored them in every matter while alive – Mayawati

BSP supremo wrote that not only this but it also seems that there is no life left in the great men of these parties, who are now busy in cashing in on our great men, who had always neglected Honorable Kanshi Ram in every matter while he was alive.
He wrote that most of the work done by the BSP government in his honor has also been changed by the SP government. This is the hypocrisy and character of these parties towards them. Therefore, it would be better for them if SP, Congress etc. especially the Dalit leaders remain silent. This is the advice. However, to keep distance from such people, Honorable Kanshi Ram has also written a book in English by the name of ‘Chamcha Yug’.

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has demanded to give Bharat Ratna to Kanshi Ram. The Indian National Congress seems confused on this demand.

Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi has said on this demand that what is Mayawati’s question? He said that I do not even understand the question. What is she saying to NDA, ‘Don’t make any mistake, i.e. give or not give, what to do? The MP said what is his demand? Actually, nowadays sister has become very calm and the Bahujan movement is suffering losses.

What did BSP Chief Mayawati say?

Let us tell you that in a statement on Kanshi Ram Jayanti, the BSP Chief had said that just like the Congress party did not honor Constitution maker Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar with Bharat Ratna, the present BJP/NDA government at the Center should also not delay further in honoring Buhjan Nai Kanshi Ram with Bharat Ratna, because his contribution in creating an ‘egalitarian society’ in the country as per the intention of the Constitution is historic and that is why he also resides in the hearts of the people. Working with full determination on his mission, Kanshi Ram not only created a political power by uniting the ‘Bahujan Samaj’ under the banner of BSP but also formed the government in a huge and important state like Uttar Pradesh and also made me the Chief Minister.

Rahul-Akhilesh made this demand on Kanshi Ram

Earlier, during a program in the presence of Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, a proposal was passed on March 13 that Kanshi Ram should be given Bharat Ratna. During this time it was also said that this will happen only when Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister.

Apart from this, National President of Samajwadi Party and Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav has also demanded to give Bharat Ratna to Kanshi Ram.

A very interesting contest is visible in Bihar Rajya Sabha elections. Voting will be held on 5 seats in the state on March 16. Meanwhile, there is a dilemma for the 5th seat. According to the seats in the assembly, NDA alliance is certain to win 4 seats. Whereas the 5th seat is stuck in the mathematics of three-six between NDA and RJD.

Let us tell you that to win a Rajya Sabha seat, 41 MLAs are required. In this situation, BJP alliance has 202 MLAs. Due to which it is considered almost certain to win easily on 4 seats. But NDA needs 3 MLAs for the 5th seat.

What is the mathematics of three and six?

BJP alliance has 38 MLAs for the 5th seat. Now BJP needs 3 MLAs to win one seat, while RJD has 35 MLAs. Due to this, RJD needs 6 MLAs to win the Rajya Sabha seat. Due to which this seat can go to RJD’s account.

Meanwhile, in the mathematics of three-six, BSP and AIMIM are in the role of kingmakers. Actually, Owaisi’s party has 5 MLAs, while BSP has 1 MLA. Now if these 6 MLAs go with RJD then it is possible for them to win. If BJP gets the support of three of these, then BJP can achieve a clean sweep on 5 seats.

Both groups are exerting their strength

In such a situation, both the political parties are trying their best to win this seat. Let us tell you that some small parties have three to six votes which can change the result of this fifth seat. There is also discussion that if there is cross voting in this election then the equation can be reversed.

Meanwhile, both the groups are trying to keep their respective MLAs together. He is also busy gathering additional support. In such a situation, the Grand Alliance has given a message of unity to its MLAs. However, the absence of Owaisi and BSP MLAs in the RJD meeting can spoil the mathematics of 6 seats.

Also read: Araria: CM Nitish Kumar maintains silence on decision of going to Rajya Sabha, surrounds RJD

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has reacted to the protocol controversy related to President Draupadi Murmu’s program in West Bengal. He said that it is everyone’s responsibility to respect constitutional posts and these posts should not be politicized. Mayawati made this comment on the social media platform X regarding the recent developments in West Bengal.

National President of BSP and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mayawati said in her statement that according to the ideals of the Indian Constitution, it is mandatory for everyone to respect the post of President. He wrote that it is equally important to take care of the protocol of the President and politicization of this post in any form cannot be considered appropriate.

He also said that at present the President of the country is a woman and also comes from the tribal community. In such a situation, the situation that emerged in West Bengal during his visit should not have happened. Mayawati described this entire incident as extremely unfortunate and said that it affects the dignity of constitutional posts.

According to the ideals and dignity of the Indian Constitution, everyone should be respected. It is important to respect the post of President and also take care of its protocol and it is not right to politicize this post in any form.
At present, the President of the country is a woman and also belongs to the tribal community. But…

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) March 8, 2026

Concerns expressed over Parliament and constitutional posts also

In her statement, Mayawati did not limit herself to the issue of the President only. He said that for some time now, the trend of politicization has increased in Parliament, especially regarding the post of Lok Sabha Speaker, which is not good for the democratic system.

He appealed to all political parties that constitutional posts should be respected by rising above party politics. He also expressed hope that the upcoming session of Parliament will run smoothly on issues of national and public interest, because this is the expectation of the public and the demand of the time.

Controversy started from Siliguri program

In fact, a protocol controversy had come to light regarding the visit of President Draupadi Murmu during a tribal program organized in Siliguri, West Bengal. It was alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or any senior minister of the state government was not present at the event and there were not adequate arrangements at the venue.

It was told that as per protocol no senior state representative was present to welcome the President. The President had also expressed displeasure over the small venue of the program and lack of arrangements. After this incident, BJP had accused the TMC government of insulting the President and the tribal society.

Today, the festival of colors Holi is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and pomp across the country, people are wishing each other Holi by applying gulal. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and National President of Bahujan Samaj Party Mayawati has wished the countrymen on the Holi Festival.

BSP Chief and former CM Mayawati wrote on the

Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya gave best wishes

Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya said, “Today, on this holy festival of Holi, I congratulate the countrymen, the people of the state and the Indians living all over the world. On this day, everyone meets each other and forgets the disputes, so that our country and state celebrate the festival of Holi in a peaceful manner.”

He further said, “The law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh is healthy and the people of the state also cooperate a lot in this… We will appeal to everyone that Holi is a festival and should be celebrated peacefully. Its message goes far and wide…”

MP Awadhesh Prasad wished Holi

MP and senior Samajwadi Party leader Awadhesh Prasad has also wished Holi, the festival of colours. SP MP Awadhesh Prasad said, “On the great holy festival of Holi, I heartily congratulate the respected, godlike residents of the region, the people of the state and the countrymen. I congratulate and welcome them. I humbly request them that this festival is a festival of brotherhood and we hope that this festival will be celebrated in this way and there will be an atmosphere of harmony in the entire country…”