Lucknow: In a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, Samajwadi Party National President and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav termed the current government “undemocratic and heartless,” alleging systemic injustice and deliberate marginalisation of the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak) communities. Addressing a press conference at the party’s state headquarters in Lucknow, Yadav accused the BJP of supporting authoritarian elements and failing to uphold the constitutional vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Yadav said, “Had the BJP followed the Preamble of the Constitution, justice would have been ensured for the poor, the rural population, Dalits, backward classes, and minorities.” He expressed concern over the rising instances of discrimination and violence against PDA communities, especially those involved in religious storytelling like Bhagwat Katha.
Citing the Etawah incident, where Dalit storytellers were allegedly assaulted and humiliated, Yadav said, “If Bhagwat Katha is for everyone, then why can’t everyone narrate it? Denying the right to speak in the name of tradition is nothing but caste dominance and arrogance.”
He called out the “monopoly” of dominant castes in spiritual practices, accusing them of turning religious rituals into commercial enterprises. He challenged the BJP to legislate exclusivity if they believe only a select group has the right to recite sacred texts.
Highlighting several incidents, including the assault on PDA community members, forcible head shavings, abuse, and looting, Yadav questioned where such groups derive their power. “These acts are carried out with the protection of the BJP government,” he alleged.
He cited recent atrocities:
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In Kaushambi, the family of a Dalit girl who stood up against abuse faced police action.
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In Sultanpur, Mahendra Pratap Maurya was shot dead.
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In Mahoba, a newlywed Dalit couple was beaten for not obeying feudal orders.
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In Etah, Dalit processions on Ambedkar Jayanti were blocked.
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In Banda, an MLA assaulted an SDM for stopping overloading.
Yadav said such incidents illustrate how 2500 powerful individuals allegedly control the state under BJP rule. “From ministers withdrawing their criminal cases to caste-based exclusion in electoral roles, BJP’s actions are systematically marginalising PDA voices,” he added.
Referencing the Milkipur by-election in Ayodhya, Yadav alleged that PDA voters were deliberately excluded and polling agents were pressured. “BJP is afraid of PDA unity. They know if this section stands together, their empire will collapse,” he asserted.
Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman condemned the targeted humiliation of backward and Dalit katha vachaks, blaming BJP’s mindset for such caste-driven oppression.
In a symbolic gesture, Yadav honoured Tauhiba, a resident of Mirapur village in Muzaffarnagar, for defying intimidation and exercising her voting right during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Tauhiba was reportedly threatened with a revolver by an SHO but voted boldly in protest.
Senior party leaders including Rajendra Chaudhary, Shyam Lal Pal, Shiv Kumar Beria, Pooja Saroj (MLA), Kiran Pal Kashyap (MLC), and others were present, expressing solidarity with the PDA movement and pledging to fight against oppression in BJP rule.
The event concluded with a strong message: “The time has come for unity. The PDA community will no longer remain silent.”
