In a strategic move aimed at the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), a current ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state, has officially relaunched its nearly dormant youth wing, the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena. The party is focusing on recruiting and training young "foot soldiers" to expand its grassroots footprint across India's most populous state.
New Structure and First Major Training in Azamgarh
The revival initiative kicked off with a significant first step: a training program for approximately 2,000 volunteers held recently in Azamgarh. According to party leaders, the attendees were drawn from various districts within the Azamgarh division. This marks a concrete effort to breathe new life into the wing, which was originally launched in 2003 alongside the party's formation but failed to gain substantial ground due to a lack of sustained focus.
This time, the SBSP is implementing a new structure with a proper hierarchy and uniform. The plan includes appointing district-wise "commanders" and aims to enlist at least 30-40 volunteers in every village of Uttar Pradesh. While described as a "non-political" wing by the party, these volunteers are expected to play crucial roles in managing crowds during public rallies and other party events, effectively acting as the organizational backbone.
Beyond Politics: Career Guidance and Ideological Training
The SBSP's vision for the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena extends beyond mere political mobilization. A core component of the initiative is to provide career guidance and mentorship to young recruits, particularly those from rural areas and underprivileged communities. Arun Rajbhar, the party's spokesperson, emphasized that many youths lack proper direction for pursuing careers and are often unaware of their intellectual heritage.
To address this, the party plans to rope in retired professionals such as doctors, engineers, bureaucrats, and police officers. These mentors will assist the young volunteers in acquiring professional skills, preparing for job interviews, and understanding nuances like "reservation within reservation." The objective is to make them more employable while ensuring they remain ideologically aligned with the party. "They will also be educated about our culture, history and icons like Raja Suheldev and their contributions to the country," added Arun Rajbhar.
Political Calculus Ahead of 2027 Elections
The relaunch is a clear part of the SBSP's strategy to strengthen its bargaining position ahead of the crucial 2027 state polls. Currently holding six MLA seats in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the party is hoping to secure a larger share of seats to contest in the next election. With the BJP actively courting Other Backward Class (OBC) voters, especially in eastern UP, the SBSP—whose primary vote bank is within the OBC community—is under pressure to solidify its own base.
This push for expansion was also cited as a reason behind the party's decision to contest the recent Bihar elections separately, despite being a BJP ally in UP. By building a dedicated cadre of young, trained, and potentially employed supporters, the SBSP aims to create a more formidable grassroots network, which it can leverage in seat-sharing negotiations with its dominant ally, the BJP, as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
