New Delhi, August 28, 2025 – A gathering of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) non-BJP allies from Uttar Pradesh at Delhi’s Talkatora Stadium this week has stirred up political chatter. Leaders from the NISHAD Party, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), Apna Dal (S), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) came together, signaling a bold move to assert their influence within the coalition. With no major BJP leaders present, the meeting has left people wondering about the group’s next steps ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
The event, held on Wednesday, was framed as a show of strength by these parties, who represent communities like Jats, Rajbhars, Nishads, and Kurmis. Calling themselves the “real PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) platform,” they aimed to send a clear message- they’re not just sidekicks to the BJP. Sanjay Nishad of the NISHAD Party took the stage, urging unity among backward classes and warning of a possible siege of the UP Assembly if their demands, especially reservations, aren’t met. “When all of us feel the same pain, why can’t we stand on one platform?” he asked, echoing a call for solidarity.
The political messaging here is loud and deliberate. These parties want to reclaim their relevance after the BJP’s weaker showing in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Samajwadi Party’s (SP) PDA slogan had won over many OBC, Dalit, and minority voters, leaving these smaller allies feeling sidelined. By branding themselves as the “actual PDA,” they’re trying to steal that narrative back, positioning themselves as true champions of the most backward communities. Om Prakash Rajbhar of SBSP backed this up, slamming past governments for neglecting these groups and promising a united front.
This isn’t just about rivalry with the SP- the allies are also sending a message to the BJP. Their absence from the meeting, despite invitations to some of the top leaders, has fueled talk of tension. It’s a careful balancing act- they want to remain in the NDA but are flexing their muscles to secure better deals, particularly on caste-related issues such as reservations for fishing communities.
The timing feels strategic. With the 2027 elections looming, these parties are keen to prove their worth to their voters. Years of family-first politics and shifting alliances have dented their credibility, and the Lok Sabha results showed their grip on caste bases slipping. By uniting under this “real PDA” banner, they hope to rebuild trust and show they can deliver for Nishads, Rajbhars, and others, not just follow the BJP’s lead.
Reactions are mixed. BJP spokespersons downplay any rift, calling it a routine gathering, while SP’s Rajendra Chaudhary sees it as a BJP-backed distraction from their own PDA success. For now, the meeting’s impact is unclear, will it strengthen their bargaining power or just highlight their struggles? As the dust settles, one thing’s certain- these allies are determined to make their voices heard, both within the NDA and among the people they represent.
