Bhubaneswar, November 9: Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav took to the streets of Nuapada, Odisha, on Sunday to campaign for his party’s candidate, Ramakant Hati, in the Nuapada by-election.

During the campaign, Akhilesh appealed for votes in favor of Ramakant Hati, a candidate from the Yadav community, which forms a significant part of the constituency. He highlighted that the Yadav community makes up over 25% of Nuapada’s electorate. Akhilesh urged the thousands of voters present to support Hati, emphasizing the need to uplift these communities.

In his address at a packed rally in Nuapada town, Akhilesh focused on the rights of backward communities in Odisha, who make up more than 60% of the state’s population. He also expressed concern about the tribals- Adivasis, who continue to face challenges in terms of social and economic advancement.

"These communities have long been deprived of their constitutional rights, including reservations in government jobs and access to quality education, and the full exercise of their democratic rights," Akhilesh said. "Odisha needs a government that respects and protects the interests of its backward sections."

Though Akhilesh did not name any political parties directly, he launched a pointed critique of the ruling dispensation, accusing them of neglecting the welfare and rights of these marginalized groups. He also issued a warning to parties that seek alliances with the ruling government, claiming that such partnerships would lead to negative consequences in the long run.

Akhilesh also took a moment to reflect on the political history between his late father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, the founder of the Samajwadi Party, and the legendary Odisha leader Biju Patnaik, who was the father of BJD president Naveen Patnaik. Both were prominent socialist leaders in their time, he noted, signaling a shared legacy of social justice.

In a follow-up press conference, Akhilesh made it clear that the Samajwadi Party had "planted seeds" in Odisha through this by-election campaign. He further asserted that the party would be a strong contender in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, vowing to fight for the rights of the Pichhda (Backward), Dalit, Alpa Sankhyak (Minorities), and Adivasi communities.

With his remarks, Akhilesh reinforced the Samajwadi Party’s commitment to championing the cause of the underprivileged in Odisha and beyond.