Sanjay Nishad eyes 160 seats, banks on boatmen vote

March 21, 2026

Sanjay Nishad has begun groundwork with an eye on a strong performance in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. The party is reportedly working on a strategy aimed at influencing around 160 seats, focusing on regions where riverine and backward communities hold sway.

Focus shifts to Kewat–Mallah communities

At the core of this plan is outreach to Kewat, Mallah and Nishad groups—communities traditionally associated with rivers and waterways. These groups are seen as politically significant in eastern and central UP, where their vote share can tilt results in multiple constituencies.

 Demand for SC status gains momentum

A long-standing demand of the Nishad Party has been the inclusion of Nishad, Kewat, Majhwar and Mallah communities in the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. The party argues that despite social and economic backwardness, these groups are yet to receive full reservation benefits.

 Electoral strategy tied to reservation promise

Political observers say the push for SC status is not just a social demand but also a key electoral plank. By raising the issue ahead of elections, the party is trying to consolidate support among these communities and expand its influence beyond its traditional base.

 Challenges remain on policy and alliances

However, inclusion in the SC list is a complex legal and constitutional process that requires approval at multiple levels, including the Centre. This makes the demand difficult to implement quickly, even if it gains political traction during the campaign.