Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati has criticised the Samajwadi Party over its proposal to observe PDA Day on the birth anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram. In a statement issued in Lucknow, Mayawati described the move as political theatrics and questioned the intent behind the announcement.
The Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, had proposed observing PDA Day as part of its outreach to specific social groups. The acronym PDA is commonly used by the party to refer to Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak communities. However, Mayawati alleged that the Samajwadi Party has historically been opposed to the interests of Dalits, Other Backward Classes and the broader Bahujan community.
Mayawati stated that Kanshi Ram dedicated his life to empowering marginalised communities and building a political movement focused on social transformation. She argued that commemorating his birth anniversary should involve sincere commitment to his ideology rather than symbolic political gestures. According to her, efforts to associate with Kanshi Ram’s legacy must reflect consistency in policies and actions.
The exchange marks another chapter in the ongoing political rivalry between the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. Both parties have historically sought support from overlapping social groups, particularly Dalits and Other Backward Classes. Political analysts note that such statements often intensify ahead of electoral cycles, as parties attempt to consolidate their core voter bases.
Kanshi Ram, who founded the Bahujan Samaj Party, played a significant role in shaping Dalit politics in northern India. His political philosophy emphasised representation, social justice and empowerment of marginalised communities. His birth anniversary is observed annually by party workers and supporters across the state.
The Samajwadi Party has in recent years emphasised its PDA framework as part of its broader electoral strategy. By focusing on social coalition building, the party aims to strengthen its position in the state’s political landscape. However, Mayawati’s remarks indicate that the BSP views such initiatives with scepticism.
Political observers suggest that the debate reflects broader competition among regional parties to claim ideological and electoral space among marginalised communities. Statements issued by party leaders often seek to reinforce their respective narratives and differentiate their platforms.
As Uttar Pradesh remains a key state in national politics, developments within major regional parties continue to attract attention. The response from the Samajwadi Party to Mayawati’s remarks may further shape the ongoing discourse.
The issue highlights the significance of symbolic political events and commemorations in the state’s electoral environment, where legacy, ideology and community outreach play central roles in shaping political strategies.
