Akhilesh Yadav Begins Samajwadi Party's UP Poll Campaign From Rahul Gandhi's Seat, BJP Reacts

On Thursday, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav launched his campaign for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with a PDA Rath (chariot) yatra in Rae Bareli. The event saw thousands of party workers and supporters throng the streets, with Yadav traveling on a specially decorated chariot. Akhilesh Yadav's arrival in Raebareli was met with warmth from party members at various points along the route.

The yatra is being positioned by the SP as a mobilization push around its PDA plank, which represents the interests of backward classes, Dalits and minorities. Before departing, Yadav shared on social media: "The ‘PDA Chariot’ sets forth. The voice of ‘PDA’ joins in. Now, a ‘change’ is about to happen. UP will once again be prosperous."

The campaign comes at a time when political parties are gearing up for the 2027 Assembly elections. For the SP, the PDA formula is a pivotal element in its strategy to garner support from backward classes, Dalits and minorities, aiming to challenge the BJP's dominance in the state. Addressing the crowd in Rae Bareli, Yadav highlighted people's desire for change from the BJP government, citing issues like unemployment, inflation, and the condition of farmers and young people.

Visual aspects of the yatra included posters in Rae Bareli depicting Yadav as Lord Krishna, adding a religious and cultural dimension to the SP's campaign imagery. The party has increasingly utilized Yadav's political leadership and the PDA slogan as key components of its preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. The SP is hoping to capitalize on its 2024 Lok Sabha performance, which saw it emerge as the largest party in terms of seats won, while the BJP remains the main political rival in the state.