A delegation of social workers and community leaders from Dalit and extremely backward classes (EBCs) across Uttar Pradesh met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Thursday. The meeting, viewed as an effort to consolidate Dalits and EBCs ahead of the UP Assembly elections, marked the beginning of a broader outreach campaign aimed at reviving the party's grassroots support.
Key Issues Discussed
Rajendra Pal Gautam, Chairman of the Scheduled Castes Department of the All India Congress Committee, who was part of the delegation, said they discussed issues concerning education, employment, political representation, and the socio-economic condition of Dalits and backward communities. Concerns over crimes against vulnerable communities and the failure of authorities to act on such cases also featured prominently in the discussions with Rahul Gandhi.
Political Context
Describing the interaction as a routine organisational exercise but a significant engagement, Gautam said the outcome of the outreach would become visible soon. Acknowledging that preparations for the 2027 contest formed the backdrop of the interaction, Gautam told TOI, "Election sar pe hain, toh sari meetings elections se related hi hogi."
Gautam alleged that actions of BJP governments and police often deter victims from seeking justice, and this was raised before the Congress MP.
Expert Analysis
Political analyst and faculty in political history at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Prof Sushil Pandey, said: "The outreach assumes significance as parties are recalibrating their social coalitions ahead of 2027 polls. While Dalits constitute a sizeable section of Uttar Pradesh's electorate, EBCs have emerged as an influential voting bloc courted by all major parties."
Previous Efforts
Gautam had triggered political chatter by attempting to meet BSP chief Mayawati after walking from the UP Congress office to her Mall Avenue residence in Lucknow last month. The initiative generated considerable attention besides causing embarrassment to Congress state leadership, which issued a show-cause notice to him. Party leaders, however, view the latest engagement with Rahul Gandhi as part of a sustained effort to expand Congress's outreach among Dalits and backward communities as it prepares for the next electoral battle in the state.
