Uttar Pradesh: Congress To Launch 'Dalit Gaurav Samvad Yatra' From Barabanki, In Attempt To Woo Dalit Voters Before 2024 Elections

In a strategic move to reclaim the support of the Dalit community in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress party is set to kick off the 'Dalit Gaurav Samvad Yatra' on 9 October, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dalit ideologue, Kanshiram.

This initiative attempts to regain traction among the Dalit electorate before the upcoming general elections in 2024.

Congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge, is anticipated to actively partake in the yatra in Bijnor, sparking speculations of his potential candidacy in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from this influential constituency.

The Bijnor Lok Sabha seat has historical significance, having been represented by prominent figures such as Congress leader Meira Kumar and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati in the past.

Currently, the seat is held by BSP's Malook Nagar.

Ajay Rai, the Uttar Pradesh Congress president, affirmed the yatra's commencement from Barabanki on 9 October, culminating on Samvidhan Divas, 26 November.

Additionally, the party aims to engage with over one lakh Dalit leaders across Uttar Pradesh through interactive relation-building sabhas.

Rai elucidated that the initiative targets the reengagement of Dalits who previously supported the Congress, but later shifted allegiance in the 1980s.

He further stated that the Dalit community appears to have wavered in their faith in the BSP, an entity initially established on name of their welfare.

Rai cited the recent Ghosi bypoll results, where BSP chief Mayawati urged her cadre to either abstain from voting or opt for the 'none of the above' (NOTA) option. However, the actual results defied this directive.

Regarding Kharge's participation in the yatra, Rai disclosed ongoing efforts to secure his presence at the launch or conclusion, but left room for flexibility in his schedule, allowing for his involvement at some point during the event.