Samajwadi Party (SP) is preparing to bring blue uniform instead of red color for its student organization Samajwadi Party Chhatra Sabha. Akhilesh Yadav can announce this on Tuesday. In Uttar Pradesh, blue color has long been associated with Dalit-Ambedkarite politics.
The two Dalit-centric parties of the state, Bahujan Samaj Party and Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), have made blue their identity. According to a report in Indian Express, now Samajwadi Party can also implement blue dress code for its student wing. Many people are considering this as an attempt to connect with the youth, especially the Dalit youth.
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Why is Samajwadi Party emphasizing on 'blue uniform'?
Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the party is emphasizing on the 'Backward, Dalit and Minority' (PDA) agenda. The party is making efforts to give separate identities to its frontal youth organizations like Samajwadi Party Yuvjan Sabha, Lohia Vahini, Ambedkar Vahini and Chhatra Sabha.
Efforts are also being made to increase focus on the issues of Gen G and Gen Alpha. A senior leader said that the party has many youth organizations, so there is a need to clarify the role and identity of each unit. The new dress code is a step in this direction.
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What has BJP said?
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said that changing colors will not erase the stains of his deeds. He cited Samajwadi Party's poor record on Dalit issues and former minister Azam Khan's comments on Bhim Rao Ambedkar. He says that Samajwadi Party is trying to reach out to Dalit voters by changing colors.
Direction being given to PDA school?
Samajwadi Party is already running a campaign against the poor condition of government schools. The party has raised the issue of closure of about 26 thousand primary schools. 'PDA Pathshalas' have also been organized in such institutions. This campaign can now become part of a larger effort to connect with the problems and aspirations of young voters.
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Why is the decision being taken suddenly?
According to sources, the announcement will be made on Tuesday and the plans for Zen G and Zen Alpha will be revealed. The move comes days after Akhilesh Yadav met Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenor and spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka in Lucknow.
The meeting remained in the headlines. Samajwadi Party had supported the Cockroach Janata Party on the issue of education. Samajwadi leaders say the blue dress code is primarily part of the party's own organizational and political reach. Akhilesh Yadav wants to take backward people, Dalits and minorities along with him.