Uttar Pradesh State Panchayati Raj Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar criticized Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday, calling his PDA formula fake [1].
The clash highlights intensifying caste-based political maneuvering in Uttar Pradesh as leaders vie for the support of marginalized communities. The PDA formula—representing Pichhda (backward), Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (minorities)—is a central pillar of Yadav's outreach strategy to build a broad coalition of oppressed classes.
Rajbhar said the PDA formula is a political ploy designed to fuel caste tensions [1]. He said the strategy does not represent a genuine commitment to these groups but is instead a tool for electoral gain.
Beyond the caste formula, Rajbhar accused Yadav of lying regarding the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill [2]. This legislation, which focuses on women's reservation, became a flashpoint for the criticism. Rajbhar said Yadav misrepresented his party's stance on the bill to gain political credit [2].
According to Rajbhar, the Samajwadi Party leader operated under the assumption that the Bharatiya Janata Party would ultimately receive the credit for the legislation [2]. This alleged deception, Rajbhar said, demonstrates a lack of sincerity in Yadav's approach to governance and legislative progress.
The exchange reflects the volatile nature of alliance politics in the region. By targeting both the identity-based PDA strategy and specific legislative records, Rajbhar is attempting to undermine Yadav's credibility among the very demographics the Samajwadi Party seeks to mobilize.
“Rajbhar called the PDA formula fake”
This confrontation underscores the strategic battle for the 'PDA' demographic in Uttar Pradesh. By framing Yadav's inclusive outreach as a 'fake' formula and citing specific legislative contradictions regarding women's reservation, Rajbhar is attempting to fracture the coalition of backward classes and minorities before upcoming electoral cycles.
