Akhilesh Yadav paired the caste census pledge with outreach to the Lodhi community and a sharp attack on the BJP before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh polls.
Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said a Samajwadi Party (SP) government would conduct a caste census within three months of coming to power if the Centre failed to undertake the exercise.
He said the census was necessary to ensure people received rights and respect in proportion to their population.
Speaking at a convention marking the 196th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Rani Avantibai Lodhi, Yadav also announced a series of measures in her honour.
He said an SP government would declare August 16 a public holiday, organise programmes on her birth anniversary and install her statue, featuring a golden sword, at Lucknow’s Gomti Riverfront.
“We want everyone to get rights and respect according to their numbers after the caste census. If the government in Delhi cannot conduct the caste census, then after the Samajwadi government is formed, we will conduct it within three months and ensure rights and respect for all,” Yadav said.
He said the SP’s PDA, referring primarily to backward classes, Dalits and minorities, would encompass all sections of society.
Yadav said the party would work to unite people around social justice and form a PDA government in Uttar Pradesh.
Yadav also targeted the BJP over the recent student protests in Delhi over alleged paper leaks, claiming that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was removed to “save the Prime Minister”.
Referring to the Ram Temple donations theft, he accused those who spoke of establishing “Ram Rajya” of having “looted Ram’s wealth”.
“The people have understood the BJP’s reality. They will not be able to escape now. If the Lodhi community unites, the BJP will disappear. The Samajwadi Party will give the Lodhi community respect and representation,” Yadav said.
