Emergence of a New Contender in Uttar Pradesh Dalit Politics: Chandrashekhar Azad
Amidst the waning influence of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh, a new political force has emerged in the form of young Dalit leader Chandrashekhar Azad. Leading the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), Azad has made a resounding electoral debut, securing a decisive victory in the Nagina Scheduled Caste-reserved constituency of western UP with an impressive margin of over 1.51 lakh votes.
Azad's success stemmed from his decision to contest independently rather than joining the INDIA bloc. By defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Om Kumar with a vote share of 51.19%, he not only reduced the BJP's share to 36% but also highlighted the diminishing presence of traditional Dalit parties.
However, the BSP's candidate, Surendra Pal Singh, garnered a mere 1.33%, trailing behind the Samajwadi Party's (SP's) Manoj Kumar, who secured 10.22%. This marks a significant shift from 2019, when the BSP's Girish Chandra defeated the BJP's Yashwant Singh by 1.66 lakh votes.
Social Dynamics of Nagina
Nagina constitutes a diverse demographic landscape, with Dalits (predominantly Jatavs) comprising around 20% of the population and Muslims approximately 40%. Other communities such as Thakurs, Jats, Tyagis, and Banias make up the remainder.
Rise of Chandrashekhar Azad: Advocate for Dalit Empowerment
Chandrashekhar Azad's triumph represents a transformative moment in Dalit politics, particularly in the face of the BJP's dominance. His victory has set a new tone for Dalit representation and paved the way for a new chapter in his political journey.
Azad's path to electoral success began in 2015 with the establishment of the Bhim Army, a grassroots organization dedicated to combating caste-based discrimination and advocating for Dalit rights. His unwavering commitment to Dalit empowerment and his aggressive stance on issues affecting marginalized communities have drawn thousands of Dalit youths.
From Activist to Politician: Azad's Political Transformation
Azad's journey has also witnessed his transition from an activist to a politician. After leading protests against injustices and challenging adversaries, he embarked on a political career, expanding his reach beyond Uttar Pradesh to include states like Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh.
Alliance Negotiations and Electoral Victories
Azad's first bid for electoral success came in 2019, when he participated in the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests, garnering minority support. He also actively opposed the farmers' bills and joined the farmers' union's protests.
After unsuccessfully attempting to ally with the BSP and failing to defeat BJP's Yogi Adityanath in Gorakhpur Sadar during the 2022 Assembly polls, Azad shifted his focus to other constituencies. Despite finishing fourth in Gorakhpur, he later aligned with the RLD, contributing to their victory in the Khatauli Assembly bypoll in 2022 against the BJP.
Political Confrontation with Yogi Adityanath
Azad's bold confrontation with Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, propelled him into the political limelight. He fearlessly accused Adityanath of practicing caste-based politics, labeling it as Thakurwaad, and demanding an end to perceived favouritism.
Undeterred by imprisonment and political opposition, Azad has emerged as a formidable advocate for Dalits and a rising force in Uttar Pradesh politics.
Demographic Factors in Azad's Success
While the BSP remains popular among Jatavs and Muslims in the state, Azad's victory in Nagina suggests that he has gained support from both communities. The absence of BSP representatives in the Lok Sabha leaves Azad well-positioned to become a champion of Dalit and Muslim issues, potentially weakening the BSP's influence.
Symbolic Significance of Azad's Victory
Azad's victory carries historical significance. In 1989, Mayawati, the founder of the BSP, won the Bijnor constituency, which later became part of Nagina after delimitation in 2008. Azad's success in the Nagina constituency symbolizes a new era of Dalit representation in Uttar Pradesh politics.
Azad's Journey from Activism to Political Stardom
Chandrashekhar Azad's remarkable journey from Bhim Army chief to rising political star illustrates his resilience and growing influence among Dalits and minorities. His victory in the Nagina constituency has established him as a formidable force, challenging the status quo of Dalit politics in the state.
