2 min readLucknowUpdated: Nov 23, 2024 06:57 AM IST
While the Samajwadi Party has been claiming that it got support of Dalits along with backwards and minorities because of its call for “PDA” formula during Lok Sabha elections, both the Congress and the SP wanted to see whether the formula continues to work beyond Lok Sabha polls as well.
After the bypoll results on nine Assembly seats in the state are announced on Saturday, the Congress is preparing to launch an extensive outreach programme among Dalits, OBCs and minority communities and also undertake a revamp of its frontal organisations.
Having opted out of this bypoll and leaving it for the Samajwadi Party (SP) to contest, the Congress, whose leaders have been claiming that Dalit votes shifted to the INDIA alliance in Uttar Pradesh, has begun the exercise with appointment of the party’s MP from Barabanki and young Dalit face Tanuj Punia as the chairman of its SC wing.
“Tanuj can carry forward the experience of his father and former MP P L Punia, who has extensively worked among Dalits of the state. Moreover, he is young and energetic and can become the voice of Dalits in the state. Soon, we will begin an extensive outreach initiative,” claimed a senior Party leader.
He added that the party is preparing for a revamp of its minority wing as well as its chief, Shehnawaz Alam, has been given a bigger responsibility as AICC secretary and co-in-charge of neighbouring Bihar. The OBC wing of the state unit is also set for a revamp soon, keeping the 2027 Assembly elections in mind.
While the Samajwadi Party has been claiming that it got support of Dalits along with backwards and minorities because of its call for “PDA” formula during Lok Sabha elections, both the Congress and the SP wanted to see whether the formula continues to work beyond Lok Sabha polls as well.
Even as leaders in both the parties claim that neither would take any step that might lead to the breaking of the alliance, despite the best of efforts, it has been difficult for both the parties to reach a common consensus on seat sharing be it in Uttar Pradesh or other states. Thus, the Congress wants to be ready on ground beforehand among the three communities so that it does not have to face a similar situation in the 2027 Assembly polls.
Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development.
Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity.
Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling. By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read More
