Before the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) has made a major change in its strategy. SP National President Akhilesh Yadav, along with his traditional ‘social justice’ politics, is now moving forward on the strategy of ‘soft Hindutva’. In the last few months, his political messages, darshan in temples, continuous statements on Lord Shri Ram and Sanatan, vocal stance on Ram temple offering controversy and increasing activism in religious events have been in the news.
Samajwadi Party achieved bumper success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with the slogan of PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority), after this the party is now seen trying to increase its acceptance among Hindu voters by maintaining this social alliance. Analysts believe that Akhilesh Yadav is now walking on such a political line in which an attempt is made to take both social justice and religious-cultural identity together.
Changed stance on Ram temple
At one time, BJP has been accusing SP of keeping distance from the issues of Ram Temple and Hindutva, but now the picture seems to be changing. Akhilesh is continuously raising questions on the functioning of the government and the trust in the alleged case of theft of Ram temple offerings. However, he also repeatedly repeats in his statements that ‘Lord Shri Ram belongs to everyone’ and there is a tradition of Ram Darbar in every Sanatani family. He said that BJP has played with both ‘faith and the Constitution’.
Increased activity in temples
In recent times, the religious activities of Akhilesh Yadav and his family have also increased. He has been seen visiting different temples. He is also building Kedareshwar Mahadev Temple in Kannauj, about which he keeps talking in every press conference. Apart from Akhilesh, Dimple Yadav and her children are worshiping in many temples. Recently Arjun and Tina had gone to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Besides, Bhandara was also organized in Saifai. Participation in religious events and mention of Sanatan traditions in public forums are being considered as part of his new political style.
Balance of PDA and Hindutva
Political experts believe that the biggest challenge before Akhilesh Yadav is to reach out to a section of Hindu voters while maintaining his traditional PDA vote bank. This is the reason that on one hand he talks about social justice, reservation, constitution and backward-Dalit rights, while on the other hand he is also openly expressing his views on religious events, temples and issues related to Lord Shri Ram. The purpose of this strategy is also believed to be to prevent BJP from taking full political advantage of religious polarization.
Digital PDA campaign and new politics
Recently Akhilesh Yadav has also started ‘PDA Swabhiman Sahayog Abhiyan’. Under this, an initiative has been taken to raise party funds by taking minimum contribution of Rs 20 through QR code. It has also been announced to start a digital membership campaign. The party claims that this campaign is not just a means of raising funds, but is part of the strategy to strengthen the organization up to the booth level and add new supporters.
BJP’s ‘hard Hindutva’ politics vs SP’s new line
BJP has been at the center of ‘hard Hindutva’ politics for a long time in the politics of Uttar Pradesh. Ram Mandir, Kashi, Mathura, Sanatan and cultural nationalism have been his main issues. In comparison, Samajwadi Party, instead of directly opposing Hindutva, is accepting religious faith and accusing BJP of making political use of faith. That is, Akhilesh Yadav’s effort is to show that Lord Shri Ram belongs to everyone, but politics in the name of religious faith should not be acceptable. Political analysts are calling this the strategy of ‘Soft Hindutva’.
Astrology, religious symbols and cultural messages
In the last few months, Akhilesh Yadav has also mentioned astrology and religious beliefs in public forums. He also talked about night stay in Prayagraj, temple darshan and auspicious and inauspicious signs. These statements are also being considered a part of his changed political style. Along with this, he has clearly refused his workers and supporters to comment on religious matters, so that BJP does not get any issue while sitting.
Will this strategy be able to challenge BJP’s lead?
Opinion of political analysts is divided. Some experts believe that if the Samajwadi Party succeeds in reaching out to a section of Hindu voters while maintaining the PDA social alliance, the 2027 elections could be more challenging for the BJP than before. On the other hand, the second opinion is that BJP’s ideological edge on the issue of Hindutva is still strong and it will not be easy to counter it by using only religious symbols.
New chapter of fight 2027
At present, it is certain that in the 2027 assembly elections, the politics of Uttar Pradesh will not be limited to caste equations only. On one hand, BJP will be in the fray with an agenda of development and ‘hard Hindutva’, while on the other hand, Samajwadi Party is trying to carve new political ground with a cocktail of PDA, social justice and religious-cultural acceptance. Only the election results will decide how successful this strategy of Akhilesh Yadav will be.
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