‘PDA’ includes Pandits, says Akhilesh in SP bid to woo Brahmins in Uttar Pradesh

The Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav announced on August 5, 2026, that his party aims to incorporate Pandits or Brahmins into its Pichhda-Dalit-Alpsankhyak (Backwards, Dalits and minorities) matrix in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh State Assembly elections. The SP has been advocating for broader social justice unity under the PDA banner since the 2022 elections.

Akhilesh Yadav remarked at a Brahmin/Prabuddh varg Sammelan in Lucknow, "People keep talking about PDA and inventing new meanings about it. Ever since they (BJP) lost to PDA, they have been trying to redefine it. But they have forgotten that the ‘PD’ in PDA also stands for Pandit. The more they inflict peeda (pain), the stronger PDA will become."

He criticized the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for neglecting Brahmins, marginalized communities, and religious leaders, accusing them of targeting Opposition workers and leaders. Yadav highlighted the incident where Swami Avimukteshwaranand was prevented from taking a holy dip during the Kumbh congregation and the filing of a false POCSO case against him.

He assured that the SP will continue to support the community whenever given the opportunity. Expressing disappointment towards BJP, he vowed, "Today, the biggest sin committed by anyone is that by the Bharatiya Janata Party, which stole even the offerings made to Lord Shri Ram… Lord Shri Ram will not let them win."

Political analyst Asad Rizvi commented on the SP's move, stating that targeting Brahmins is aimed at capturing a significant vote bank. With a population of over 9%, Brahmins are traditional BJP voters. The SP aims to align with the Brahmin community through Janeshwar Mishra’s birth anniversary, believing that earning their trust will be instrumental in their pursuit of power.