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Akhilesh lays groundwork for 2024 polls with ‘PDA’ approach

Entering the significant Other Backward Classes (OBC) domain, the Samajwadi Party (SP) commenced a two-day training workshop for party workers in Banda.

Updated on: Aug 16, 2023, 21:36:04 IST
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KANPUR Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has launched groundwork for the execution of his PDA strategy -- targeting the Pichada (backward), Dalit (oppressed), and Alpsankhyak (minority) communities. He believes this approach will provide a robust counter to BJP’s politics in the upcoming 2024 general elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Subsequent workshops are scheduled for Fatehpur (August 17-18) and Ferozabad (August 21-22). (HT Photo)
Subsequent workshops are scheduled for Fatehpur (August 17-18) and Ferozabad (August 21-22). (HT Photo)

Entering the significant Other Backward Classes (OBC) domain, the Samajwadi Party (SP) commenced a two-day training workshop for party workers in Banda. Subsequent workshops are scheduled for Fatehpur (August 17-18) and Ferozabad (August 21-22).

Akhilesh Yadav arrived in Banda on Wednesday evening and visited the training site, JN Degree College. This workshop has been organized by his close aides, Sunil Singh Sajan and Udaiveer Singh. Meanwhile, the workshop in Fatehpur is under the guidance of the party’s state president, Naresh Uttam Patel, who hails from Fatehpur.

In anticipation of the 2024 general elections, Shivpal Singh Yadav, Akhilesh’s uncle, directly engaged with party workers in Bundelkhand—a region the party holds high hopes for—after a nearly seven-year hiatus, on Thursday.

The session led by Patel covered discussions on caste census, effective use of social media, the future of Indian democracy, and the current condition of farmers under the existing government.

Shivpal is working to consolidate the party’s cadre after his return to the Samajwadi Party. He urged workers in attendance to prepare extensively for the upcoming general elections, encouraging them to embrace street-level activism without fearing legal cases.

“We stand fully behind you and are here to assist you in every possible manner. Don’t hesitate to strive for our cause,” he emphasized. Additionally, Iqbal Qadri, the national chief of the minority wing, spoke about booth management. Mithai Lal Bharti from the Ambedkar wing addressed the issue of social justice eroding under BJP’s rule, and social media expert Rajeev Nigam highlighted the nuances of effective social media campaigns.

On August 17, discussions will centre around the party’s strategy and the upcoming 2024 general elections. The national president will provide training to the workers in alignment with his vision.

Previously, Shivpal conducted training sessions for workers in Gola Gokarnnath and Sitapur, recognizing the need for a robust cadre presence prior to the elections. This effort gains significance, particularly in light of the Samajwadi Party’s consecutive losses in four previous elections.

  • Haidar Naqvi
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Haidar Naqvi

    Haidar Naqvi is an Assistant Editor with the Hindustan Times in Kanpur and has been with the newspaper since May 1997, after beginning his journalism career with The Times of India. Over more than three decades, he has reported on terrorism, internal security, politics, governance and public affairs, with a particular focus on the changing nature of extremist movements in India.From 2008 to 2011, Haidar was part of the Hindustan Times National Reporting Team, contributing to coverage of some of the country's most significant security stories. He was among the reporters who covered the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as they unfolded and continued reporting on the investigation that exposed the conspiracy behind them.His reporting has followed the rise and evolution of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), the Indian Mujahideen and India's counter-terrorism response, alongside extensive coverage of organised crime and the underworld. He has also reported on Indian Mujahideen serial blasts, the Maoist insurgency, communal riots, parliamentary and assembly elections, and major political developments. Over the years, he has interviewed political leaders, senior police officers, intelligence officials and policymakers, while reporting from communities affected by violence, conflict and public policy.Beyond national security, Haidar has covered politics, minority affairs, governance, wildlife and human-interest stories across Central Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand. A recipient of the coveted Hindustan Times' Star Award, he brings historical perspective, field experience and institutional knowledge to reporting on the intersection of security, governance and society.Read More