New Delhi: The buzz surrounding the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh the country’s largest state has begun. The Model Code of Conduct is expected to come into force early in 2027, leaving political parties with a window of just four to five months. Significant friction is already visible between the BJP and the SP ahead of the polls.
Political analysts predict a major contest between the alliances led by these two parties. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, who is pursuing the ‘PDA’ strategy, is now eyeing the BJP’s traditional vote bank specifically the Lodhi community within the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category.
The Lodhi vote holds considerable weight in UP politics, and the SP chief is keen to secure it. This community commands significant influence in the Rohilkhand and Bundelkhand regions, capable of making or breaking political equations for any party. Former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, who commanded immense political clout, also hailed from this community; the SP now aims to bring this vote bank into its fold.
SP’s Strategic Move to Woo the Lodhi Community
The SP has made a significant strategic move to win over the Lodhi community. Akhilesh Yadav is actively reaching out to the community on the occasion of the 196th birth anniversary of Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi, a heroine who sacrificed her life during India’s freedom struggle.
The SP chief paid a heartfelt tribute by garlanding her statue near Capital Cinema in Hazratganj, Lucknow. He subsequently attended a conference of the Lodhi community at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, where he made two major announcements.
He announced plans to install a grand statue of Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi—featuring a golden sword at the Gomti Riverfront in Lucknow. He also pledged that if the SP comes to power, August 16 her birth anniversary would be declared a public holiday. He emphasized the critical importance of the upcoming assembly elections, noting that every single vote counts. This strategy of Akhilesh Yadav is being viewed as an attempt to make inroads into the Lodhi vote bank.
Lodhis: A Strong Base for the BJP
If the Samajwadi Party succeeds in this endeavor, the BJP could suffer a significant setback. The Lodhi community has consistently stood united with the BJP since the era of former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh. Kalyan Singh emerged as the most powerful leader of the Lodhi community in 1990; he strengthened the BJP’s position among non-Yadav OBCs.
What is the Size of the Lodhi Community in UP?
The Lodhi community holds considerable influence in Uttar Pradesh politics. They account for 4 to 5 percent of the total population. Within the OBC category, they are considered the third-largest caste group, following the Yadavs and Kurmis. Their influence is particularly strong across approximately 23 districts in the Awadh, Rohilkhand, Bundelkhand, Braj, and Western UP regions. Lodhi voters play a decisive role in the outcome of over 65 assembly seats. Currently, there are 15 MLAs from the Lodhi community.
