Political activities have intensified in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
In this context, Dr. Sanjay Nishad—National President of the Nishad Party and Uttar Pradesh fisheries minister —took aim at the Samajwadi Party (SP), stating, “The SP is reaping the benefits of the failures of government officials.”
Speaking to UNI on Monday, Dr. Sanjay Nishad remarked that the SP’s ‘PDA’ (Pichhde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak—Backward Classes, Dalits, and Minorities) narrative is, in reality, a product of bureaucratic incompetence. “Officials are practically serving up easy victories on a platter to the SP,” he asserted, citing examples such as recruitment drives for Lekhpals (revenue officials) and the Animal Husbandry Department. “First, they fail to properly implement reservation norms, and then they scramble to rectify the errors. What exactly are these officials sitting there for? What are they doing? The SI (Sub-Inspector) recruitment exam was held recently; if officials cannot even properly proofread an exam paper, then what is their purpose? If this isn’t serving up easy wins to the SP, then what is it?” However, he clarified, “This does not imply that all officials are at fault. The majority are competent; that is precisely why effective work is still being accomplished.”
Dr. Sanjay Nishad stated that the central issue for his party in the upcoming elections is securing the reclassification of their community—the Nishads—from the Backward Classes category to the Scheduled Castes category. “According to the Constitution—and as reflected in notifications ranging from the Central Government’s gazette to the Presidential orders—the Manjhi, Mallah, and Kewat communities fall under the Scheduled Castes category. Furthermore, the final notification issued by the Governor on December 31, 2016, specifically directed the creation of a new list to facilitate the inclusion of these communities—currently listed under Backward Classes—into the Scheduled Castes category. However, that directive has not yet been implemented. As of now, only the notification dated December 26 remains in force. Consequently, our demand is that 9 percent of the reservation quota currently allocated to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) be carved out and reallocated to the SCs (Scheduled Castes).”
Responding to the demands raised by Om Prakash Rajbhar’s ‘Social Justice Committee,’ Dr. Nishad remarked, “He [Rajbhar] seeks a *sub-division* of the existing OBC quota, whereas we do not seek a mere internal division; we demand our rightful status as defined by the Constitution.” He explained, “According to the Constitution, the official list of Scheduled Castes includes communities such as Harijan, Dhobi, Majhwar, and Pasi. The Manjhi, Kewat, and Mallah communities have historically been grouped under the ‘Majhwar’ classification. Therefore, based on this precedent, the Kewat, Mallah, and Manjhi communities should be officially recognized and listed under the ‘Majhwar’ category. Furthermore, the ‘Bhar’ community is also, by statutory regulation, entitled to be included within the Scheduled Castes category.” He is not advocating for the Scheduled categories; rather, he seeks to create divisions among the Backward classes.
He stated that, apart from this, there is the issue of ‘Class-3’ land—land that was originally allotted by the British administration. Class-3 land refers to areas such as ponds and water bodies. Previously, these lands were registered in the names of the Nishad community to enable them to earn a livelihood. During the BSP’s tenure, these lands were reclaimed by the state. There is now a demand to have them restored to the community. The third issue concerns sand mining rights, which were historically held by the Nishads; these rights were revoked during the tenure of Kalyan Singh. The fourth issue pertains to the *Vimukta* (Denotified) tribes, who ought to be accorded the benefits and status of Scheduled Tribes.
Regarding the issue of seat allocation demands for the upcoming elections, Dr. Sanjay Nishad remarked that the seats currently held (won) and those previously contested (lost) will naturally remain part of the equation. Further details regarding seat-sharing will be disclosed when the appropriate time arrives. He observed that the BJP has undertaken significant internal reforms, a move from which it is now reaping the benefits. The Samajwadi Party (SP), on the other hand, failed to implement such reforms and consequently finds itself on the back foot today. “I frequently offer suggestions to the SP: stop relying on ‘hired muscle’ (proxies) and instead focus on promoting your own policies. Akhilesh certainly did not lack in doing actual work, but his administration failed to effectively publicize its achievements. If you claim to be a leader of the Backward classes, then you must embrace and engage with the Backward classes. If even Lord Rama, despite being a King, could embrace Sugriva, then what kind of politics are *you* practicing if you remain inaccessible to the public for five days at a stretch?”
Dr. Sanjay Nishad further noted, “Here, Yogi’s *Darbar* (public audience) remains open; anyone who wishes to meet him can simply submit a request slip and walk right in. The implication is that the leader currently in power remains accessible to the public throughout the day; conversely, if a leader who is *not* in power is available for an audience only after a five-day wait, then what is the point?” As for the 2027 elections, he predicted with confidence that the BJP would return to power. Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s demand that Kanshi Ram be conferred with the *Bharat Ratna* award, he remarked, “These individuals are essentially providing free publicity. To invoke Kanshi Ram’s name is, by extension, to invoke Mayawati, as she is his designated successor. You are, in effect, promoting Kanshi Ram’s mission—and the more you promote it, the stronger the BSP will become. Even without any active campaigning, the BSP managed to secure anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 votes in every single constituency during the recent Lok Sabha elections.”
Finally, addressing the speculation regarding a potential alliance between the Congress, the BSP, and Owaisi’s party in Uttar Pradesh, he categorically stated that the BSP would never enter into an alliance with the Congress. The BSP has garnered its support base by drawing specifically from the Congress party’s traditional vote bank; consequently, it would never wish to see its own votes shift back to the Congress. The situation is much the same for Akhilesh. These leaders ought to emulate the approach taken by Mamata Banerjee.
He stated that, as of now, 89 individuals have been appointed as in-charge officials, each overseeing a cluster of five legislative assembly constituencies. Following Gorakhpur, the party’s current focus has shifted to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Meerut; subsequently, attention will turn to Kanpur and the Bundelkhand region. The entire process is being executed in a systematic, phased manner.
Regarding departmental initiatives, he noted that—as part of the effort to propel the state toward becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy—28 districts have been selected through the UP Agro Corporation. These districts are being developed into fisheries hubs, where increased production will be facilitated to supply other states. Furthermore, preparations are underway to establish Asia’s first World Fisheries Center in Gorakhpur. The Chief Minister has allocated ₹600 crore for this project. The project plan is currently being formulated, and work is expected to commence shortly. Once operational, this facility will serve as a supply hub for fish across the entire Asian continent.
Dr. Sanjay Nishad added that, in addition to these initiatives, a 100-acre Fisheries Park is being developed—a facility that will encompass not only fish production but also retail sales and dining services. Moreover, ‘Nishad Raj Utsav Bhavans’ (cultural centers) are slated for construction across nine districts of the state. One such center is already located in Allahabad, while preparations are underway to construct another in Gorakhpur. Each of these centers is estimated to cost ₹1.41 crore to build.