Political circles in Lucknow are buzzing with speculation about an upcoming expansion of the Yogi Adityanath cabinet. The focus has sharpened on two crucial voter groups: Dalits and women. These communities play a decisive role in shaping electoral outcomes in Uttar Pradesh.
Strategic Move Against Opposition
The Bharatiya Janata Party aims to strengthen its social coalition. This strategy directly counters the PDA plank promoted by the Samajwadi Party and Congress. The timing is critical with panchayat elections this year and the 2027 state assembly polls on the horizon.
Elevating Dalit Leadership
A senior BJP functionary revealed plans to promote a Dalit face within the state cabinet. The goal is to mobilize the Scheduled Caste community more effectively. Currently, the council of ministers includes 54 members.
Dalit ministers hold nine positions:
- Two cabinet ministers: Baby Rani Maurya and Anil Kumar.
- Two state ministers with independent charge: Gulab Devi and Asim Arun.
- Five state ministers: Dinesh Khatik, Sanjiv Gond, Manohar Kori, Suresh Rahi, and Vijay Laxmi Gautam.
This representation equals a little over 16 percent of the total ministry. However, Scheduled Castes constitute 21 percent of Uttar Pradesh's population. The party believes the current representation failed to generate sufficient political traction, especially among non-Jatav Dalits and first-time voters during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP's seat count dropped from 62 to 33 in that poll.
Beyond Mere Numbers
Sources indicate the promotion of a Dalit leader will involve more than just an addition. It may include an upgrade in visibility, portfolio weight, or political positioning. This move is designed to blunt the Samajwadi Party's efforts to mobilize Dalit and OBC voters by amplifying their grievances.
Organizational Overhaul
The BJP's state unit also contemplates a stronger Dalit focus. This approach aims to counter the opposition's aggressive social justice narrative. The appointment of Union minister Pankaj Chaudhary, a Kurmi leader, as the new UP BJP chief set the stage for further changes.
Within the state organizational unit, eight out of forty-five members are Dalit. This figure represents slightly over 17 percent. Experts argue that organizational changes often have a deeper and more lasting electoral impact than cabinet reshuffles. More Dalit functionaries at the state level can improve:
- Cadre-level messaging and communication.
- Booth management during elections.
- Grievance redressal mechanisms, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas where panchayat polls are imminent.
The focus on Dalits will extend to appointments on various boards and corporations. It will also influence nominations to municipal corporations.
Women in the Spotlight
Political observers note that women are also likely to gain prominence in this reshuffle. Highlighting women leaders reinforces the BJP's governance narrative centered on welfare schemes. Programs like Ujjwala, PM Awas Yojana, and Mission Shakti have resonated strongly with women voters in recent elections. Increased representation could further solidify this connection.
The cabinet expansion can accommodate up to sixty ministers. This limit provides room for strategic inductions. The BJP's think tank is carefully weighing these decisions to build a formidable social coalition ahead of crucial electoral battles.
