Lucknow: The political battle for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections has entered a new phase as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav begins his 'PDA Rath Yatra' from Raebareli on Thursday. The campaign will start from Churuwa in Bachhrawan near the Raebareli border, with the party aiming to strengthen its outreach among Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak (PDA) communities.
The specially designed 15-metre-long high-tech rath is set to become the center of attention as Akhilesh Yadav begins his statewide political outreach. The SP chief is expected to use the journey to connect with workers, supporters and different social groups across Uttar Pradesh.
Why Raebareli? SP's political message behind the launch
The decision to begin the campaign from Raebareli, a region traditionally associated with Congress politics, has drawn attention in political circles.
Through the PDA Rath Yatra, the Samajwadi Party aims to expand its social coalition and strengthen its organizational presence ahead of the 2027 state elections.
During his visit, Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to hold meetings with local leaders and party workers to discuss political strategy and grassroots mobilization.
Akhilesh's packed schedule in Raebareli
Akhilesh Yadav will leave his Lucknow residence in the morning and reach Bachhrawan's Churuwa area, where the PDA Rath Yatra will officially begin at around 12:15 pm.
Later, he will visit Harachandpur and meet party workers near Ghantaghar Chowk. He is also scheduled to meet SP MLAs, including OBC leader Rahul Lodhi from Harachandpur and Dalit MLA Shyam Sundar Bharti from Bachhrawan.
The SP chief will address a major public rally at the GIC ground in Raebareli, where he is expected to present the party's political roadmap.
Inside Akhilesh Yadav's high-tech PDA Rath
The special campaign vehicle has been designed with modern facilities and security features. The 15-metre-long rath comes with bulletproof glass protection, centralized AC and Wi-Fi facilities.
An LED screen installed on the exterior of the vehicle will be used to display campaign messages and connect with people during the journey.
The Samajwadi Party plans to take this rath across Uttar Pradesh, targeting all districts and assembly constituencies as part of its preparation for the 2027 electoral battle.