In the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, where the once-dominant Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has witnessed a steady decline, a new contender has emerged: Chandrashekhar Azad. Spearheading the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), Azad has emerged as a formidable force, securing a decisive victory in the Nagina Scheduled Caste-reserved constituency of western UP, with a remarkable margin of over 1.51 lakh votes.
Azad's choice to run independently, rather than joining the INDIA bloc, proved strategic. He decisively defeated BJP's Om Kumar, capturing 51.19% of the votes and reducing the BJP's share to a mere 36%. The BSP candidate, Surendra Pal Singh, garnered a meager 1.33%, trailing behind the Samajwadi Party's (SP) Manoj Kumar, who secured 10.22%. This outcome marks a significant shift from 2019, when the BSP's Girish Chandra defeated the BJP's Yashwant Singh by a margin of 1.66 lakh votes.
In Nagina, Dalits, primarily Jatavs, constitute around 20% of the population, while Muslims account for approximately 40%. The remaining population is a mix of Thakurs, Jats, Tyagis, and Banias. Azad's victory has set a new tone for Dalit politics, particularly within the BJP-dominated landscape. His rise has been nothing short of remarkable, poised to embark on a transformative journey in his political career.
Azad's ascent began in 2015 with the formation of the Bhim Army, a grassroots organization dedicated to combating caste-based discrimination and advocating for Dalit rights. The organization quickly gained momentum, propelled by Azad's charismatic leadership and unwavering commitment to Dalit empowerment. His relentless drive drew thousands of Dalit youths to his cause, establishing him as a prominent figure in the fight for social justice.
Azad's journey has been marked by unwavering dedication to Dalit empowerment and a bold stance on issues affecting marginalized communities. He has consistently demonstrated courage and tenacity, leading protests against injustices and challenging powerful political adversaries. His efforts culminated in his recent electoral victory, where he secured the Nagina constituency by a significant margin, signaling a new era in Dalit politics.
Born in Chutmalpur, Saharanpur district, the 36-year-old law graduate founded the Bhim Army in 2015 to advocate for Dalits and other marginalized communities. He first gained prominence by defending Dalits involved in clashes with the Thakur community in Saharanpur in 2017. His subsequent arrest and prolonged imprisonment under the National Security Act (NSA) by the BJP government only further elevated his profile amongst Dalits and minorities.
Released in September 2018, Azad solidified his position through active participation in the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests. Expanding his influence beyond Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, he transitioned into politics, aligning with the RLD and contributing to their victory in the Khatauli Assembly bypoll in 2022 against the BJP.
Azad's bold confrontation with Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, catapulted him into the political limelight. With unwavering 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 favoritism. Despite facing numerous challenges, including imprisonment and political opposition, Azad has remained steadfast in his mission.
As he continues to advocate for the rights and dignity of Dalits, Chandrashekhar Azad's influence is poised to grow, heralding a new chapter of empowerment and representation for India's marginalized communities.
Despite the BSP's base among Jatavs and the Muslim community rallying behind the SP-Congress alliance statewide, Azad appears to have garnered support from both communities in Nagina. With no BSP members remaining in the Lok Sabha, Azad is poised to champion the issues of Dalits and Muslims, potentially emerging as an alternative to Mayawati and further weakening the BSP.
Azad's victory holds significance on two fronts. Firstly, his determination to secure this constituency 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,
