In UP, why welfare pitch to Gen Z, women fuels BJP vs SP vs BSP battle

As Uttar Pradesh's Assembly elections loom less than six months away, both the ruling BJP and its opponents, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), are actively courting youth and women voters. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pledged to provide appointment letters to one lakh young people within six months, claiming over 9.30 lakh youth had received government jobs during the BJP's nine-year tenure.

This announcement was made amidst growing discontent among students and youth over irregularities in exams and recruitment processes in various states, including protests in UP following alleged irregularities in police and lekhpal recruitment exams and NEET paper leak.

BSP chief Mayawati questioned the timing of Adityanath's job announcement, suggesting it could be an "electoral manoeuvre". The BJP defended the pledge, highlighting their record of employment for youth and its startup ecosystem with over 24,000 platforms for young people. The youth, making up a significant portion of UP's population, comprise 17.63 lakh voters aged 18-19, according to the latest electoral roll.

The BJP also introduced the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana, offering free bus travels for women aged 60 and above, and women travel with one co-passenger during 27-29 August on Raksha Bandhan. The SP responded by proposing the Stree Samman Samriddhi Yojana, which would give Rs 40,000 annually to every underprivileged and vulnerable woman in UP.

The SP also plans to provide laptops and bicycles to girl students, free bus travels for women on government buses, housing, ambulance services, and legal aid.

The race for the 2027 polls is increasingly becoming a battle over welfare promises, with both parties stressing the importance of addressing the needs of youth and women voters.