Caste-based conferences will return as UP poll approaches

Representative image | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, caste-based mobilization is expected to pick up again, with social organizations representing various caste groups planning events and programs to air their grievances and pressure political parties to share more power. Organizations representing Brahmins and Kushwahs are among those planning such meetings.

Parsuram Yuva Jagriti Manch, a social organization targeting the Brahmin caste, will organize a large rally in the last week of October in Shamli district to unite the community around its grievances.

“We invite people associated with other Brahmin groups to join the conference. We will express our concerns regarding the Brahmin Welfare Board and representation of the community in the assembly tickets. There are attempts to marginalize us,” said member Himanshu Bharadwaj.

In a similar initiative, a Brahmin-Tyagi-Bhumihar Mahakumbh was organized at Saharanpur on October 11 under the banner of Tyagi Brahmin Bhumihar Samaj Samiti. The speakers called for the fight against dowry, more emphasis on education, fight against social evils and increase in political awareness. The rally also targeted grievances about political representation ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

Sarv Kushwaha Chetna Sangh, a social group focused on issues related to the Kushwaha community, which falls under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, has also scheduled a conference in Janupur on October 28.

“The Kushwaha community is hardworking and we want their economic and social upliftment. Our share of jobs in the government and private sector is low and our political representation is also insufficient. It is therefore necessary for us to unite and raise our issues with stakeholders with the upcoming elections,” said Madhukar Kushwaha, a member of the organization. The Kushwahas are a prominent agricultural caste in the state.

Asad Rizvi, a Lucknow-based political analyst, said such initiatives were routine in the run-up to elections as social groups played a key role in electoral mobilization and sought to negotiate with political parties for greater representation.

“Caste social groups are using elections as a major opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength on their long pending grievances and seek more tickets for their communities by demonstrating their collective strength,” he said.

Published – 17 Oct 2026 10:01 AM IST