The influence of Dalit voters in Uttar Pradesh
Political parties in Uttar Pradesh are intensifying efforts to court Dalit voters ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Analysis shows a shifting landscape where the BSP's traditional dominance is waning, while the BJP is making incremental gains among both Jatav and non-Jatav Dalit communities.
Why it matters
Dalit voters represent a significant, albeit fragmented, voting bloc in India's most populous state, and their shifting allegiances are critical to determining the outcome of future state elections.
More than six months ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, political parties are already looking for issues that can help them mobilise voters. The Congress rally addressed by Mallikarjun Kharge at the Ramlila Ground in Haldwani, and the puja that was performed by some people afterwards, which has been described as a shuddhikaran (purification) puja, has emerged as one such issue that the Congress is seeking to capitalise on. Though the party knows that its Dalit support in the State is minuscule, it is trying to expand its appeal among Dalit communities.
For Uttar Pradesh, however, the larger question is not simply whether political parties will try to mobilise Dalit voters — they certainly will — but how much of the Dalit vote remains transferable, and which party or alliance can attract it in big numbers to make a difference in the 2027 Assembly election?
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