Akhilesh Yadav Kicks Off Samajwadi Party's 2027 Assembly Poll Campaign in Noida
Just one day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Noida International Airport in Jewar, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav strategically chose the same city to launch the Samajwadi Party's campaign for the 2027 assembly elections. The event, held at the Mihir Bhoj College ground in Dadri, featured a rally titled 'Samajwadi Samanta Bhaichara', where Yadav unveiled a comprehensive welfare-focused agenda aimed at women, farmers, youth, and backward communities.
Welfare Schemes and Financial Promises Take Center Stage
At the rally, the SP national president introduced the 'Stree Samman Samriddhi Yojna', a flagship scheme promising a financial support of Rs 40,000 for women if the party is elected to form the government. This initiative was coupled with strong assurances on land compensation, job creation, and social justice, forming the core of the party's electoral pitch.
Yadav framed the campaign around the party's PDA plank — 'Pichda, Dalit, Alpasankhyak' — emphasizing that only a "PDA government" could restore dignity to communities that have historically been marginalized. "Our Constitution is the real protector of PDA, and it must be defended," he declared, linking the party's agenda to constitutional values.
Political Barbs and Constitutional Concerns
The rally was politically charged, not only due to its timing but also for its pointed messages. Yadav referenced the BJP's "400 paar" slogan from the last Lok Sabha election, alleging that the party sought a larger mandate to alter the Constitution. "BJP aimed at winning 400 seats in the last parliamentary elections to change the Constitution, but people taught them a lesson. However, we must realise that the Constitution continues to remain in danger till BJP is in office," he stated.
He further described the ruling party as "dararvaadi" (divisive) and "nakaratmak giroh" (gang of negative), arguing that its ouster is essential for the "betterment of 95% of the populace, who continue to be oppressed at the hands of 5% of the ruling class".
Targeting BJP Over Airport Inauguration and Policy Failures
Yadav used the Noida platform to criticize the BJP over the airport inauguration event held a day earlier. He claimed that the inauguration of what he called an "incomplete" airport was advanced because the BJP was concerned about the turnout at the SP rally. "They still failed, despite arranging a sponsored crowd," he added, dismissing the BJP's efforts.
For farmers, Yadav promised compensation at market rates for any future land acquisition under an SP government. He accused the BJP of failing to pay the 64% additional compensation due to farmers and not offering market-linked rates. "We will give the 64% additional compensation to farmers and 4% developed plots as well," he assured.
Focus on Youth, Employment, and Social Issues
Addressing students and job-seekers, Yadav pledged to introduce skill-based courses in colleges to enhance employability. He accused the current government of freezing recruitment to avoid providing reservation benefits guaranteed under the Constitution, linking repeated paper leaks to deliberate attempts to derail hiring processes.
Yadav also criticized the Agniveer military recruitment scheme, arguing that while technology shapes modern warfare, holding territory still requires manpower. "We will scrap the Agniveer scheme so that young people get proper opportunities in the Army," he promised.
Commitment to Social Justice and Dalit Empowerment
On the issue of caste discrimination, Yadav emphasized that only those who have faced humiliation truly understand its pain. Referring to instances of "temple purification" after Dalits enter them, he highlighted deep-seated social prejudices. "We are not here to erase anyone, but they must understand that times have changed," he said, suggesting that public anger could drive political change.
In a significant promise, the SP chief announced plans to install statues of prominent Dalit leaders on Lucknow's riverfront. He stated that these memorials would honor their sacrifices and provide the community with "a visible symbol of pride", reinforcing the party's commitment to social inclusivity and recognition.
