Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has begun efforts to woo Dalit voters for the UP elections. As part of this effort, he will launch a Dalit convention in Agra.
In light of the turmoil within the Bahujan Samaj Party and the upcoming UP elections, the Samajwadi Party has increased its focus on Dalit voters. In this regard, the SP will organize a Dalit Mahasammelan on November 15th, starting in Agra. SP President Akhilesh Yadav will also be present at the event. A large number of SP workers from the surrounding areas will participate.
Agra is a crucial district in UP’s Dalit politics. This is why the SP has decided to launch the Dalit convention here. This district also has a historical connection with Dr. Ambedkar and BSP founder Kanshi Ram. It was in Agra, on March 18, 1956, that Ambedkar delivered his last major speech in the Chakri Pat Jatav Basti. In that speech, he hinted at his conversion to Buddhism, a few months before his initiation ceremony in Nagpur.
BSP founder Kanshi Ram formally established the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF) in 1978. The organization’s first unit in Uttar Pradesh was established in Agra in 1978. Later, a unit was also established in Lucknow.
Why did the Dalit Conference begin in Agra?
The Samajwadi Party chose Agra because the Jatav community there was already relatively organized, educated, and economically strong. Ambedkarite consciousness was also deeply ingrained here. Kanshi Ram connected these urban, educated Dalit employees and small businessmen through BAMCEF. This base later became the foundation of DS-4 and the BSP.
Kanshi Ram made Agra the initial laboratory of Bahujan politics in North India. The socio-economic conditions and Ambedkarite background of the region helped his organization take root. This is why Agra is still considered a center of Dalit politics.
Agra has been a hub of Dalit politics.
Agra can be called the capital of Dalit politics in Uttar Pradesh because it is where Dalit consciousness, the Ambedkarite movement, and electoral politics have developed their deepest and most organized base. This isn’t just a matter of population figures; it’s the result of history, socio-economic conditions, and political experimentation.
A long-standing stronghold of the Dalit movement, Dalit organizations have been active in Agra since the 1950s and 60s. The Jatav community asserted their identity and rights by erecting statues of Ambedkar, organizing processions, and embracing Buddhism. This movement later became the foundation of Kanshi Ram’s BAMCEF and the Bahujan Samaj Party.
Western Uttar Pradesh, especially Agra, served as a laboratory for both Kanshi Ram and Mayawati. The Agra division comprises four districts: Agra, Mathura, Mainpuri, and Firozabad. Etawah and Hathras also border this district. These districts have a Dalit population of over 20 percent, with the Jatavs constituting the largest number, a core voter base for the BSP. The SP is attempting to make inroads into this vote bank.
The Strength of Dalit Voters in This Region
According to one estimate, Agra has approximately 23% Jatav voters, while Mathura has 20%, Mainpuri 20%, Firozabad 19%, Etawah 25%, and Hathras has approximately 24%.
For the past several years, Akhilesh Yadav has been eyeing the Dalit voters in UP. This is why he previously formed an alliance with Mayawati, though it didn’t benefit him in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, his alliance with Mayawati has alleviated accusations of anti-Dalit sentiment. This benefited Akhilesh Yadav in the 2022 and 2024 elections.
Eyeing the BSP’s Vote Bank
This is why Akhilesh Yadav has now developed a liking for the color blue, and has changed everything from his party’s gamchha to his T-shirts to blue. Furthermore, he has begun to prioritize the party’s Dalit leaders. This SP convention is taking place at a time of constant turmoil within the BSP. Akash Anand and Ishaan Anand have been expelled from the party. Furthermore, the party’s younger workers are distraught and looking for new leadership.
Written By: Praveen Yadav
About the author
Praveen Yadav has been active in journalism for 21 years. He joined Star News in 2004 and is currently an input editor at ABP News. He has held various positions, including assignment head and forward planning, and has also served as head of digital media. In 2022, he also joined digital media.
Courtesy: Hindi News