Amidst the waning influence of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), a new political force has emerged in Uttar Pradesh. Spearheaded by Chandrashekhar Azad, the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) has stormed onto the political scene, securing a significant victory in the Nagina constituency, reserved for Scheduled Castes.
Azad's remarkable electoral performance stands apart from the BSP's diminishing fortunes. His resounding victory by over 1.51 lakh votes has dealt a blow to the BJP, who had held the constituency in the previous polls. While the BSP candidate received a mere 1.33% of votes, Azad garnered a commanding 51.19%, leaving behind the Samajwadi Party candidate and reducing the BJP's share to 36%.
This triumph marks a paradigm shift in Dalit politics, especially in the face of the BJP's dominance. Azad's victory has catalyzed a fresh era for the marginalized community, breaking the mold of traditional political alignments.
Azad's journey began in 2015 when he established the Bhim Army, an organization dedicated to challenging caste-based discrimination and advocating for Dalit rights. His unwavering commitment to Dalit empowerment and his fearless stance against injustice have resonated with thousands of Dalit youths, making him a galvanizing force in the fight for social justice.
In 2017, Azad became a prominent figure in the fight against caste-based violence, advocating for Dalits involved in clashes with the Thakur community in Saharanpur. His subsequent arrest and imprisonment only solidified his status as a symbol of resistance for Dalits and minorities.
Upon his release in 2018, Azad extended his influence beyond Uttar Pradesh, participating in anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests and extending his support to the farmers' movement. His unwavering commitment to the marginalized earned him significant support in both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Azad's decision to contest as an independent candidate in Nagina led to a decisive victory, demonstrating his ability to transcend traditional party lines and mobilize Dalit voters. Despite the lack of formal alliances, Azad's victory suggests that he has gained significant support from both Jatavs and Muslims, who traditionally vote for the BSP and the SP-Congress alliance, respectively.
Significantly, Nagina is the constituency where Mayawati first rose to prominence in 1989, further underscoring the symbolic significance of Azad's victory. His triumph marks a departure from the BSP's traditional dominance, signaling Azad's potential to erode Mayawati's influence and emerge as a formidable force in Dalit politics.
Azad's emergence represents a shift in the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, where he is poised to champion the issues of Dalits and Muslims. His success, despite facing challenges such as imprisonment and political opposition, is a testament to his resilience and growing influence among the marginalized communities.
