By Mohammad Tarique Saleem
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav recently visited Azamgarh and unveiled the newly renamed PDA Bhawan, a move that reflects a deeper strategy aimed at consolidating the support base ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The renaming of the party office from a simple organizational center to “PDA Bhawan” symbolizes the party’s commitment to the PDA alliance an acronym representing Pichhde (Backward), Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (Minority) communities.
Addressing a large gathering of party workers, Akhilesh proudly stated, “Azamgarh says – PDA, now move forward!” The slogan wasn’t just a catchphrase but a clear message to supporters and rivals alike. It was a reaffirmation of the Samajwadi Party’s core ideology, one deeply rooted in social justice, equality, and the upliftment of historically marginalized communities.
The newly inaugurated PDA Bhawan, located strategically along the Azamgarh-Faizabad highway, is designed not only to serve as a local headquarters but also to function as a training and coordination center. It will host workshops and educational sessions to enhance the organizational and electoral skills of ground-level workers. According to party insiders, the building includes office spaces, a residential unit for key functionaries, and dedicated areas for campaign planning and voter outreach.
During his address, Yadav didn’t shy away from attacking the ruling BJP government in Uttar Pradesh. Referring to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as the “outgoing CM,” he accused the government of fostering a climate of fear and administrative failure. “This is a government that prioritizes liquor licenses over education, and injustice over progress,” he remarked.
Akhilesh also recalled the legacy of Mulayam Singh Yadav and Kanshi Ram, two stalwarts of social justice politics, highlighting how the new PDA movement echoes their vision. Holding up an old photograph of the duo, he said, “That picture was more than a handshake. It was a contract between movements, a promise to uplift those whom history has long ignored.”
Interestingly, while the event had a largely positive and energized tone, a brief security breach occurred when an unidentified person managed to reach the stage before being quickly apprehended. Though the disruption was minor, it highlighted the growing attention such rallies are drawing in volatile political climates.
Akhilesh emphasized that the Samajwadi Party already controls all 10 assembly constituencies and both parliamentary seats in Azamgarh, and PDA Bhawan would now become the nerve center for their Purvanchal campaign. He encouraged workers to begin intensive ground-level work, focusing on booth management, voter registration, and spreading the PDA message in every household.
Yadav’s message was loud and clear: the time has come for those pushed to the margins to reclaim their space. By turning Azamgarh into the cradle of a new socio-political awakening, he hopes to rewrite the narrative in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and steer the PDA alliance to a defining victory in 2027.
