Akhilesh Yadav Launches PDA Rath Yatra Ahead of 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections

September 24, 2026

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday launched the party’s PDA Rath Yatra as part of its outreach ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The campaign began from Lucknow and moved towards Rae Bareli, with party workers accompanying the specially prepared campaign vehicle.

The PDA campaign is centred on the Samajwadi Party’s political messaging around Pichhda (backward classes), Dalit and Alpsankhyak (minorities) communities. The party has been using the PDA formulation as a key part of its organisational and electoral outreach in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 polls.

Akhilesh Yadav Explains Samajwadi Party’s PDA Strategy

Akhilesh Yadav has described PDA as an “alliance of progressive and positive people” and said the formulation represents people facing difficulties, distress and humiliation. He has said that a PDA government would work towards social justice.

Yadav coined the PDA acronym in 2023, referring to Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak communities. The Samajwadi Party has since made the formulation an important part of its political messaging in Uttar Pradesh.

The latest Rath Yatra marks the party’s move towards a more visible public outreach campaign ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The September 24 programme was also linked to the party’s engagement with workers and supporters in the Rae Bareli region.

Samajwadi Party Leader Responds to PDA Rath Colour Row

Samajwadi Party leader Ashutosh Verma dismissed speculation over the colour of the newly unveiled PDA Rath. Questions had been raised after the vehicle appeared orange in some visuals despite the Samajwadi Party’s traditional red colour.

Speaking to ANI, Verma attributed the difference to camera optics and lighting conditions. He said that red objects photographed under bright sunlight can develop a warm colour cast and appear orange.

Verma also accused the BJP of diverting public discussion towards the colour of the vehicle instead of substantive issues. These were his political assertions and were not independently established as facts.

PDA Rath Yatra Comes Ahead of 2027 UP Polls

The PDA Rath campaign comes months ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, as political parties begin expanding their public outreach and organisational activities across the state.

The Samajwadi Party has outlined plans for wider PDA-focused programmes, including events in different regions of Uttar Pradesh. Recent reporting has indicated that the party is seeking to expand its outreach beyond its traditional areas of support and strengthen its engagement with backward, Dalit and minority communities.

The Rae Bareli programme is part of this broader campaign activity. The district has five Assembly constituencies, with the Samajwadi Party currently holding Harchandpur, Bachhrawan and Sareni, according to recent reporting.