Akhilesh Yadav Rings Poll Bugle For 2027 UP Polls, Launches PDA Rath Yatra From Raebareli

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has launched the first phase of the PDA Rath Yatra from Bachhrawan in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The campaign focuses on strengthening the party’s PDA strategy, which stands for Pichhda, Dalit and Alpasankhyak—backward classes, Dalits and minorities.

The specially designed campaign vehicle carries a picture of former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and the message, “Jo Peedit Hai, Woh PDA Hai” (those who are disadvantaged are PDA). Akhilesh Yadav travelled on the customised bus and greeted supporters from its roof while wearing a red cap and red scarf.

The launch from Raebareli is politically significant as the constituency is represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The BJP and NDA allies have criticised the Samajwadi Party’s interpretation of PDA, alleging that its meaning changes according to political convenience.