Latest news with #Pichda
Hindustan Times
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
For us, ‘G' means ‘Gareeb': Akhilesh on 'PDA Pathshala' row
Reacting to UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath's remarks on 'PDA Pathshala', Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said the 'CM might have studied 'G' for 'Gadha' (donkey), but for us the letter stands for 'Gareeb' (poor)'. PDA Pathshala is a campaign launched by SP workers in protest against the UP government's school pairing policy. (HT file) 'The kids who go to these primary schools are from poor families. Maybe for BJP people, 'G' stands for Gadha (donkey),' the SP chief said while speaking to the media in New Delhi. On Wednesday, the CM criticised the SP's 'PDA Pathshala', calling it an attempt to dismantle the education system. 'Respected Kalyan Singh taught children 'G for Ganpati', but the SP government taught them 'G for 'Gadha' (donkey)'.' 'The SP government weakened the very foundation of education, whereas the current dispensation is establishing modern centres of learning such as Atal Residential Schools,' Yogi had said. The PDA Pathshala is a campaign launched by SP workers in protest against the Uttar Pradesh government's school pairing policy. PDA stands for Pichda or Backward, Dalit and Alpsankhyak or minorities. After several cases against the SP workers in various districts, another FIR was registered against SP leader Pooja Shukla in Bakshi Ka Talab area of Lucknow in connection with the 'PDA Pathshala'.
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Can caste, Constitution break Hindutva in 2027 polls?
Until the 2014 general elections, in which religious polarisation became more pronounced in deciding the poll outcome, caste and caste alone was the primary ingredient of electoral politics in Uttar Pradesh (UP). So much so, that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had also constructed social coalitions alongside their main poll plank of Hindu and Hindutva for the polls. Interestingly, in the 1991 elections, when the BJP had garnered a clear majority in the UP assembly, the party leadership had got its caste calculus right even though the northern states, including UP, were caught in an unprecedented frenzy over the Ram temple campaign. Caste will likely be back on the centerstage for the 2027 assembly elections as Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav, aggressively rides on his tested PDA (Pichda or backwards, Dalit and Alpsankhyak or minorities) formula. In the 2024 general elections, he along with Congress scion Rahul Gandhi had succeeded in breaking the BJP's Hindutva plank which, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma and pro-poor schemes, had won them four state assembly and Lok Sabha elections since 2014. In fact, many political pundits had taken Akhilesh's consistent reiteration of PDA lightly until it paid him huge dividends in 2024, propelling the party into prime position in the Lok Sabha. As of now, a confident Akhilesh seems to be setting the agenda for the 2027 polls as the political narrative in the state is dominated by caste-oriented incidents -- humiliation of Yadav kathavachaks (narrator of holy scriptures) in Etawah, clash between Rajbhars and Karni Sena in Varanasi and the vandalisation of Dalit MP Ramji Lal Suman's home in Agra, to mention a few. Such clashes have not only infuriated the lower castes and OBCs, but also revived the wedge between the upper and the lower castes. It was with great effort that the BJP leadership had succeeded in removing the tag of 'a party of Brahmins, Banias and Rajputs', besides bringing various castes into the Hindutva fold, amplified by chief minister Yogi Adityanath's statements in which he had described the 2022 elections as a battle between 80% vs 20 % (Hindu vs Muslims) Yogi is retaliating, painting SP as a corrupt party which patronises criminals. Reminding people of the firing on Ram Bhakts in Ayodhya by the Mulayam Singh Yadav government, he recently said: 'Ram Manohar Lohia, a socialist had started the tradition of Ramayan mela while his current chelas ( disciples) open fire on Ram Bhakts.' However, several senior BJP leaders have started discussing the impact of the SP's PDA as Akhilesh seems to be setting the narrative in the run up to the polls. The elections are still several months away and it is going to be a tough task even for Akhilesh to sustain the tempo, even though he appears to have galvanized the cadre. The BJP is yet to show its cards. The party high command is holding discussions to decide the caste combination that would work to their advantage in the elections - something on the lines of their earlier experiment of a backward CM and an upper caste state president or vice versa. Yogi is a Rajput and, thus, there is a vacancy for a backward leader in the party. Speculation about a change of leadership has been going on incessantly but in all probability a CM in saffron, perhaps, suits both the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leadership till they plan to elevate and move him to the Centre. Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's recent meeting with Union home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi has added fuel to the fire. Maurya posted pictures of the meeting with Shah and posted on X, 'The Chanakya of Indian politics and the source of inspiration and guidance for millions of workers like us, the esteemed Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shahji, graciously met me, and I had the privilege of receiving detailed guidance through discussions on various important topics, including repeating the 2017 success in Uttar Pradesh in 2027 and forming the BJP government for the third time.' BJP with its allies had won 325 seats in 2017, while SP- Congress had won 54 seats. In 2022, while BJP+ seats dipped to 255, the SP+ won 125 seats. Akhilesh had recently pointed out the margin of votes polled, which comes to 8507787; the margin further reduced to 147695 votes taking into account the strength of NDA vs INDIA. Maurya's post is being interpreted in different ways as he did not mention the party's victory in the 2022 assembly polls. The 2017 elections were driven by Union minister Amit Shah and Maurya, who was then the BJP state president. He was quite hopeful of getting the coveted chair of CM as a reward for his hard work. But the crown went to Yogi, the angst of which Maurya is said to be carrying even today. Though Yogi had campaigned in the state's western region instead of confining himself to Gorakhpur, the credit for the spectacular victory, outperforming the party's clear win of 1991, was largely credited to the meticulous planning of Shah. But in 2022, Yogi became the hero as the BJP's repeat performance was viewed as public vindication of his governance. The other indication of Maurya's possible change of role is Shah's description of him as his friend from a public platform. But would he go to Delhi or would he get a bigger role in the state? He is most unlikely to return to the party state president's position. As usual, the BJP high command's decisions remain wrapped in secrecy. Caste and Hindutva A few party leaders privately said that the politics of Hindutva and Hindu or of Mandir-Masjid would not pave the way for BJP's victory in 2027 as the election is most likely to be fought on caste lines. However, what could work for the BJP is pro-poor schemes, including ration, besides Shah's planning, the party's active machinery and RSS support. Soon after the 2024 setback, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat toured the state and deployed cadres to clear misgivings about the BJP vis a vis the Constitution. The SP has not only given the PDA slogan but has relentlessly worked to convince the non-Yadav OBCs and Dalits about its sincerity through distribution of tickets, positions and by raising their issues. Akhilesh's decision to set up a party office in Azamgarh is also aimed at consolidating the party's position in the region. Eastern UP, especially the Varanasi-Azamgarh divisions, has been a stronghold of the SP and also the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the past. However, after Modi moved to Varanasi, coupled with the BJP's alliances with small caste-based regional parties like the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), the Apna Dal (Sonelal) and Nishad Party in the area, it outperformed the two UP-based parties. The three Cs – caste, constitution and caste census -- are likely to play a key role in the 2027 polls, cutting into the BJP's Hindu-Hindutva plank. While Ayodhya and Kashi paid them huge dividends in earlier polls, Mathura may not, as Yadavs consider Krishna as their ancestor.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Samajwadi Party expels 3 MLAs accused of cross-voting in 2024 RS polls
LUCKNOW: The Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party on Monday expelled three legislators, who allegedly voted to help the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) win the Rajya Sabha polls in February last year, declaring that the three had been working with 'communal, divisive, and negative ideologies' which were against the party's core values. Lucknow, Jun 22 (ANI): Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav addresses a press conference, at party office in Lucknow on Sunday. (ANI Photo) (ANI) The three lawmakers, Gosaiganj MLA Abhay Singh, Gauriganj MLA Rakesh Pratap Singh, and Unchahar MLA and former chief whip Manoj Kumar Pandey, are also among the seven who voted in favour of BJP candidates during the Rajya Sabha elections in February 2024. The cross-voting had helped the BJP win 8 out of the 10 seats, though the SP had the numbers to claim at least three seats. The SP said the 'grace period' given to these legislators for a change of heart had expired. There is no room in the party for individuals who act against public welfare or its core ideological framework. The SP announced the expulsion of the three legislators on X, accusing them of supporting forces that are anti-farmer, anti-women, anti-youth, anti-business, anti-employment, and against the rights of the marginalised. 'Samajwadi Party expels the following MLAs from the party in public interest for supporting communal divisive negativity and anti-farmer, women, youth, business, employed and 'anti-PDA' ideology, contrary to the politics of socialist harmony and positive ideology. MLA Gosaiganj Abhay Singh, MLA Gauriganj Rakesh Pratap Singh and MLA Unchahar Manoj Kumar Pandey,' the party said in a statement. The grace period for the other four legislators who had supported the BJP in the Rajya Sabha elections has not ended due to good behaviour, it said. These four legislators include Bisauli MLA Ashutosh Maurya, Kalpi MLA Vinod Chaturvedi, Chail MLA Puja Pal and Jalalpur MLA Rakesh Pandey. SP spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand said the three legislators had been working against the PDA [Pichda (backward), Dalit, Alpsankyhak (minority)] and had been speaking in favour of the wrongdoings of the BJP. 'They were given time to improve but unfortunately, they continued to speak against PDA, hence this action was taken by the party,' Chand said. The SP had fielded three candidates – incumbent MP Jaya Bachchan, former chief secretary Alok Ranjan and Dalit leader Ramji Lal Suman - for the February 2024 elections. Only Jaya Bachchan and Ramjilal Suman won while Alok Ranjan lost due to cross voting. At the time, the rebel MLAs had claimed that the SP leadership hadn't allowed them to visit the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya on an invitation from UP assembly speaker Satish Mahana. After their rebellion, some of these MLAs visited the Ram Temple.
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Can't trust BJP with caste census data: Akhilesh
: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday expressed doubts over figures and data that will be issued by the Central government after the caste-based census. He expressed this view on the day when the central government issued a notification for conducting India's 16th census, which will include caste enumeration in 2027. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that the BJP couldn't give correct data of those who died in the Mahakumbh 2025 and hence it can't be trusted with the caste census data either. The Kannauj MP made these comments during a press conference at the SP headquarters in Lucknow. 'The BJP is the party that lies the most. The entire government lied about the death toll of devotees in the accident that took place in Prayagraj Mahakumbh,' he said. 'The government did not reveal the correct number of people who died in the Kumbh incident but the money was given to the families of the deceased after reaching their homes. If people did not die in the stampede, then under which rule was the money given and on whose orders was it given?' the SP chief asked. On the census notification, he said, 'People who can lie in a holy matter like Mahakumbh are not trustworthy. Such people cannot be trusted in the matter of voter list and caste census data. The BJP government manipulates the data. Everyone has to keep an eye on the caste census data. One has to be completely alert.' Turning to other issues, Yadav alleged,'The BJP government has ruined the health department like the electricity department. There is no infrastructure in the medical colleges.' Accusing the BJP government of usurping the rights of the PDA (Pichda or backwards, Dalits and Alpsankhyak or minorities), Yadav claimed it is not giving reservation as per rules. 'No one is getting justice in the BJP government. Both the deputy chief ministers of the BJP government are instigating caste conflict,' he said. In response to a question, Yadav said fighting should stop between countries. 'We are not in favour of any war. We will ask the central government to bring back all the citizens of our country who are stranded in war-torn countries,' he stated. Yadav also chaired a meeting of the SP minority wing at the SP office in Lucknow. Describing the Samajwadi Minority Sabha as a very important organisation of the party, he said, 'Everyone has pledged that they will work to improve their voter list. To stop the conspiracy, plot and rigging of the BJP in the elections, we will go to villages, streets and mohallas to correct the voter list. We will file an objection to the fake votes created by BJP.'
Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pressure of PDA behind caste census announcement: Akhilesh
: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the Centre's announcement of a caste-based census was the result of pressure by 90% people of the country who belong to the PDA (Pichda or backward, Dalit and Alpsankhyak or minorities) section of the society. He also said his party will ensure proper implementation of the caste survey. Yadav was speaking to the media at the SP headquarters in Lucknow. 'After this, we will ensure that we get our rights as per the population,' he said. Following a meeting with Suheldev Samman Swabhiman Party (SSSP) chief Mahendra Rajbhar and his party workers, Yadav announced that a grand statue of Maharaja Suheldev will be installed at the Gomti riverfront in Lucknow when his party comes to power in the state. The statue will have a sword made of alloy and gold ore. 'I am happy that SSSP people are also in favour of caste census, which has been our long-standing demand. The SSSP workers gave some suggestions today and I want to assure them that their suggestions will be taken care of when we come to power. We expect that PDA people and brothers from SSSP will support us in 2027 also just like they stood by us in 2024,' Yadav said. On the night landing by IAF jets on the Ganga Expressway, the SP chief said, 'What is the difference between day and night landing? You just need lights at night. This is not a new technology. The vision of the Samajwadi Party is being followed by the BJP government. We are proud of the fact that we were the ones who created such infrastructure for defence in the state.' Reacting to the demolition of madrasas and mosques on India-Nepal border by the UP government, the Kannauj MP said, 'This is very serious, the behaviour of the government is in question. Nothing is said to those who give open threats and display swords. There is no action against them. The way in which the vote graph of the BJP has gone down, now they are trying to impress their hardcore voters by bringing the Waqf law and (taking) action against madrasas and mosques.' 'Whatever is happening in Nainital, it is the result of communal politics of the BJP. All they know is to spread hatred and communal propaganda,' the SP chief said. Whenever his party forms a government in the state, he will revive the Old Pension Scheme in Uttar Pradesh, he to the SP chief's announcement of putting up a statue of Maharaja Suheldev in Lucknow, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) national spokesperson Arun Rajbhar said, 'The SP does not respect great men. When they were in power, they never thought of Maharaja Suheldev. The SP should first respect Maharaja Suheldev Rajbhar by putting his photo on its banners.'
