Lucknow – Uttar Pradesh, India’s most politically significant state, has once again placed Akhilesh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party (SP) at the center of the national conversation. The state not only sends the largest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha but also sets the political rhythm for Delhi. In the 2024 general elections, Akhilesh’s PDA formula—Pichhda (Backward), Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (Minority)—proved a game-changer, giving him unprecedented strength in the Hindi heartland.
PDA Formula and 2024 Breakthrough
For decades, SP relied on the Yadav-Muslim base established by party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav in the 1990s. But after BJP’s sweeping success in 2014 and 2019—built on Hindutva and a broader non-Yadav OBC coalition—Akhilesh realized he needed to expand.
By giving tickets to non-Yadav OBC communities such as Kurmis, Rajbhars, and Lodhis, Akhilesh not only signaled inclusion but also delivered results. Of the 10 seats allotted to Kurmi/Patel candidates, SP won seven. This marked a shift from narrowly focused identity politics to a wider social coalition.
The payoff was historic: SP won 37 Lok Sabha seats in 2024, its best-ever performance in Uttar Pradesh.
Dalit Outreach: Filling BSP’s Vacuum
Dalit politics in UP has long been synonymous with BSP and Mayawati. But with BSP weakening, Akhilesh stepped in. In 2021, he launched the Samajwadi Baba Saheb Vahini, headed by former BSP leader Mitha Lal Bharti, aiming to attract non-Jatav Dalits.
Leaders like Indrajit Saroj were brought into the fold, and Akhilesh used occasions like Ambedkar Jayanti to stress his commitment to the Constitution and social justice. This helped SP gain traction among Dalits disillusioned with BSP.
Beyond Muslims: Broadening Social Base
While Muslims remain SP’s traditional support base, Akhilesh has worked to counter the perception of SP as a “Muslim-Yadav party.” In 2025, he shared platforms with Rajput leaders during Maharana Pratap Jayanti and reached out to Brahmins, even giving four Brahmin and one Bhumihar candidate tickets in 2024, some of whom won.
This signaled a careful strategy of soft Hindutva and inclusive representation, widening SP’s acceptability across castes.
Youth and Women: Building for the Future
Akhilesh’s image as a youthful, tech-savvy leader continues to resonate. His record as chief minister—including the women’s helpline 1090, free laptop scheme, and welfare initiatives—remains popular.
On social media, Akhilesh has mastered memes and quick responses, enhancing his youth appeal. By speaking against “bulldozer politics” and highlighting cases like Ananya Yadav’s, he positions himself as a defender of social justice and constitutional rights.
Balancing Alliances, Keeping Identity
In 2024, Akhilesh maintained tactical alliances with Congress and regional outfits, ensuring SP’s secular image remained intact while protecting its vote base. Seat-sharing was carefully managed, and leaders like Mahendra Rajbhar were brought in to strengthen SP’s eastern UP base.
Challenges Ahead
Despite gains, challenges remain. Some Muslim leaders accuse Akhilesh of sidestepping core community issues, while rivals like BSP and smaller parties continue to target SP’s base. The key test will be whether SP can turn expanded vote share into lasting dominance.
The Road to 2027
Akhilesh’s PDA strategy, combined with digital outreach and social engineering, positions him as a formidable0 contender for the 2027 UP Assembly elections. His success will depend on whether he can hold together his expanded coalition of non-Yadav OBCs, Dalits, minorities, women, youth, and upper-caste allies.
If he maintains this balance, analysts say SP could not only regain power in Lucknow but also redefine the state’s political trajectory. Uttar Pradesh may be on the verge of writing a new chapter—with Akhilesh Yadav at its center.
