Agra, Nov 2026 : Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the PDA Dalit Mahasammelan held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. He accused the BJP government of weakening the Constitution and committing injustice against the Dalit community. Giving a new political interpretation to the PDA acronym, Yadav said that the letter ‘D’ now stands for ‘Damdar Dalit’ (Strong Dalit). He asserted that the Constitution must remain protected to safeguard people's dignity, rights and democracy.
Targeting the BJP's double-engine government, the SP chief also raised questions about alleged corruption and the functioning of the administration. Linking the Agra conference to the unity of the Dalit community and the broader struggle for social justice, he claimed that the growing public support for the PDA was increasing the BJP's political challenges. He said the movement would seek to unite Dalits, backward communities and minorities to advance the cause of social justice.
PDA's ‘D’ now stands for ‘Damdar Dalit’
Addressing the gathering, Akhilesh Yadav said BJP leaders repeatedly attempted to change the meaning of PDA, but the ‘D’ now stood for ‘Damdar Dalit’. He said the Dalit community was increasingly raising its voice firmly for its rights and dignity.
The SP president clarified that PDA was not limited to backward classes, Dalits and minorities. It included every individual who was suffering, distressed or facing humiliation, he said. Calling for political unity against the BJP, Yadav declared that PDA would stand against those who supported the ruling party.
Referring to the response he received at the conference, he claimed that the Dalit community would play a significant role in the forthcoming political contest. He also expressed confidence in his party's prospects in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, saying that the support being mobilised under the PDA banner would pose a challenge to the BJP.
Calls for protection of Constitution and reservation
Akhilesh Yadav described the Constitution as the foundation of the country's democracy and citizens' rights. He said that the system of reservation and social justice could remain protected only if the Constitution was safeguarded.
In his address, he said, "If there is the Constitution, there is dignity; if there is the Constitution, there are rights; and if there is the Constitution, democracy will survive."
The SP chief accused the BJP of weakening the fundamental spirit of the Constitution. He called upon people to unite to protect the Constitution and the reservation system, stressing that strengthening the PDA movement was necessary to ensure that Dalits and backward communities received their rightful entitlements.
Appealing to those attending the Agra conference, Yadav urged them to continue the struggle for constitutional values and social justice. He said the fight was not merely political but also concerned the protection of the rights, dignity and opportunities of disadvantaged sections of society.
Alleges more than 151 statues of Dr Ambedkar damaged
The SP president also raised the issue of incidents involving damage to statues of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. He alleged that more than 151 statues of Babasaheb had been damaged in Uttar Pradesh during the BJP government's last 10 years, and that the number had risen to nearly 200.
Yadav said that damaging statues of Dr Ambedkar was not merely an act of destroying physical structures but also an insult to his ideas and the values of the Constitution. He demanded action against those responsible for such incidents.
He maintained that protecting the dignity and rights of the Dalit community was the government's responsibility. The SP chief further alleged that incidents of injustice and harassment against Dalits had continued to surface in Uttar Pradesh.
The figures relating to damaged statues and the allegations against the government were claims made by Yadav during his address.
Raises paper leak and closure of government schools
Turning to issues concerning young people and the education system, Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP government of failing to ensure transparency in recruitment examinations. He alleged that question papers for more than 20 examinations had been leaked in Uttar Pradesh and claimed that people within the government were responsible.
He also alleged that a large number of government primary schools had been closed in the state, adversely affecting the education of children from poor and needy families. According to him, shutting down schools not only disrupts children's education but also reduces employment opportunities for teachers.
Addressing young people, Yadav stressed the need to strengthen access to education and employment. He raised the slogan, "This time, the lathi will lose and the laptop will win."
He said that instead of intimidating young people, the government should connect them with modern education and technology. Emphasising the importance of digital learning and opportunities, he argued that young people should be empowered with the skills and tools needed to build their future.
Promises special budget for Dalit community
Akhilesh Yadav said that special financial provisions should be made for the development of Dalits and Scheduled Caste communities. He promised that, if required, an SP government would introduce a dedicated budget for the Dalit community.
He said social justice should not be understood merely in terms of political representation. It must also ensure equal participation in education, employment, healthcare and economic opportunities.
According to Yadav, concrete policies were necessary to help disadvantaged communities progress and secure their rightful place in society. He claimed that unity under the PDA platform could help eliminate social discrimination and ensure dignity and equal opportunities for all sections.
He further stressed that the development of Dalit communities required focused economic support and effective implementation of policies addressing their educational, social and economic needs.
Challenges BJP ahead of 2027 Assembly elections
The Agra Dalit Mahasammelan also served as a platform for Akhilesh Yadav to signal his party's political strategy ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. He claimed that the growing support for the PDA would emerge as a major challenge for the BJP.
The SP president urged party workers to closely monitor electoral rolls and ensure that the names of all eligible voters were included. He accused the BJP of attempting to influence the electoral process and called upon PDA workers to remain vigilant.
Yadav asked party workers and supporters to actively protect their voting rights and other democratic entitlements. He said safeguarding the Constitution, reservation and social justice required people from different communities to come together.
Describing the Agra conference as an important step in this direction, he expressed confidence that the PDA movement would expand further in the coming period.
Through his address in Agra, Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of corruption, Dalit oppression, examination paper leaks and weakening the Constitution. By giving the letter ‘D’ in PDA the new meaning of ‘Damdar Dalit’, he sought to underline the political importance of Dalit unity and broader social mobilisation ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
