Amidst the BSP's declining presence in Uttar Pradesh, a new contender has emerged – young Dalit leader Chandrashekhar Azad, whose ascendancy has reshaped the political landscape.
Azad's resounding victory in the Nagina Scheduled Caste-reserved constituency of western UP, secured with a massive margin of over 1.51 lakh votes, marked a significant shift in Dalit politics. Running independently, Azad defeated BJP's Om Kumar with 51.19% of the votes, reducing the BJP's share to 36%. The BSP candidate, Surendra Pal Singh, garnered a mere 1.33%, trailing behind the Samajwadi Party's (SP) Manoj Kumar, who secured 10.22%.
This victory represents a significant departure from the 2019 elections, where the BSP's Girish Chandra had defeated the BJP's Yashwant Singh by 1.66 lakh votes. The Nagina constituency comprises a population that is 20% Dalits (mostly Jatavs), 40% Muslims, and a mix of Thakurs, Jats, Tyagis, and Banias.
Azad's transformative victory has ushered in a new era of Dalit politics, particularly in the BJP-dominated landscape, and has positioned him as a formidable force.
Azad's political journey began in 2015 when he founded the Bhim Army, a grassroots organization dedicated to combating caste-based discrimination and advocating for Dalit rights. His relentless activism and charismatic leadership quickly drew thousands of Dalit youths to his cause, establishing him as a prominent voice in the fight for social justice.
Azad's determination and unwavering commitment to Dalit empowerment have been the driving forces behind his political success. His bold stance on issues affecting marginalized communities has consistently demonstrated his courage and tenacity.
Originally from Chutmalpur in Saharanpur district, the 36-year-old Azad holds a law degree. His rise to prominence began in 2017 when he defended Dalits involved in clashes with the Thakur community in Saharanpur. His subsequent arrest and prolonged imprisonment under the National Security Act (NSA) by the BJP government only raised his profile amongst Dalits and minorities.
Released in September 2018, Azad further solidified his position through his participation in the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests. Expanding his influence beyond Uttar Pradesh, he gained support in Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, transitioning into politics.
Despite unsuccessful attempts to forge an alliance with the BSP and a failed bid against BJP's Yogi Adityanath in Gorakhpur Sadar during the 2022 Assembly polls, Azad remained undeterred. He aligned with the RLD, contributing to their victory in the Khatauli Assembly bypoll in 2022 against the BJP.
Azad's bold confrontation with Yogi Adityanath catapulted him into the political limelight of Uttar Pradesh. With unyielding fervor, he took aim at the Chief Minister across multiple platforms, demanding equitable treatment for his community. He fearlessly accused Yogi Adityanath of practicing caste-based politics, labeling it as Thakurwaad, and called for an end to what he deemed as favouritism.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including imprisonment and political opposition, Azad has never looked back. As he continues to advocate for the rights and dignity of Dalits, his influence is set to grow, heralding a new chapter of empowerment and representation for India's marginalized communities.
Azad's victory in Nagina holds significant importance for two reasons. Firstly, it was his determination to secure this constituency that led to the breakdown of alliance talks with the SP. Choosing to campaign solo, Azad's door-to-door efforts in Nagina paid off. Secondly, his win carries symbolic weight. In 1989, Mayawati won the Bijnor constituency, now part of Nagina post-2008 delimitation.
Azad's journey from Bhim Army chief to a rising political figure illustrates his resilience and growing influence among Dalits and minorities, positioning him as a formidable new force in Uttar Pradesh politics.
