BJP placing lesser-known icons on pedestal in U.P. with eye on bolstering vote base

While the party claims Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has brought renewed focus on unsung heroes, political observers say it is an attempt to gain support of OBCs, Dalits

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is making a concerted effort to celebrate the contributions of lesser-known icons and leaders of India’s freedom struggle.

The party claims that the renewed focus on such icons is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to highlight the contributions and sacrifices of India’s unsung heroes in the freedom movement, which is one of the key elements of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.

However, political observes in Lucknow point out that the ruling dispensation is trying to consolidate its hold over the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and upper castes, and broaden the BJP’s electoral base by co-opting Dalit icons.

In the recent past, the State government has celebrated the contributions of lesser-known icons like Chitu Pandey, Rani Jhalkari Bai, Dhan Singh Gurjar, Vijay Singh Pathik, Lakhan Pasi, Raja Bijli Pasi, Uda Devi and Avanti Bai. Mr. Adityanath has also highlighted the need to give due credit to such icons to infuse a sense of belongingness and pride among the youth in the State.

“Highlighting OBC and Dalit icons like Uda Devi and Jhalkari Bai is a major component of the party’s efforts to expand its electoral base. It also helps the party showcase its commitment towards creating an inclusive society,” said Shashikant Pandey, a professor of political science at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow.

At the same time, the State government is also giving prominence to lesser-known upper caste icons. Mr. Adityanath recently visited Ballia to celebrate Ballia Balidan Diwas and hailed the contributions of Chitu Pandey, a member of the Brahmin community who participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942.

Since 2014, upper caste and OBC voters have been instrumental in the party’s electoral success in the politically significant State, which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha.