Lucknow, Aug 8: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) over its recent outreach to the Brahmin community, accusing the party of repeatedly changing its political stance to suit electoral interests.
In a post on X, Mayawati alleged that the SP changes its political position like a “chameleon” for what she described as narrow caste based politics and short-term electoral gains.
She said the BSP, founded on Ambedkarite principles, works for the welfare of all sections of society under the principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya and Sarvajan Sukhaya”.
Mayawati said the four governments formed by the BSP in Uttar Pradesh had also followed this approach, while accusing the SP of adopting different political strategies depending on electoral circumstances.
Mayawati questions SP’s PDA formula
The BSP chief also questioned the Samajwadi Party’s PDA strategy, which traditionally refers to Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak — backward classes, Dalits and minorities.
Mayawati claimed that the SP was now attempting to associate the letter “P” with “Pandit” after noticing support for the BSP among upper-caste communities, particularly Brahmins.
She described the move as evidence of political opportunism and said such tactics could provide temporary electoral advantages but would not contribute to the broader welfare of society.
Mayawati urged voters across communities to remain cautious about what she termed the SP’s caste-based politics and alleged political manoeuvring.
Akhilesh Yadav reaches out to Brahmins
Mayawati’s remarks came days after SP president Akhilesh Yadav stepped up his outreach to the Brahmin community.
Addressing a Brahmin Sammelan at the SP state headquarters in Lucknow on Wednesday, Yadav said the PDA framework also included Pandits. He alleged that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh was targeting opposition workers, members of the Brahmin community and religious leaders.
Yadav said political opponents had been attempting to redefine the PDA formula after facing electoral setbacks against the alliance.
The latest exchange between the BSP and SP highlights the growing political focus on social alliances and caste representation in Uttar Pradesh as parties seek to consolidate support across different communities.