The party is reshaping its social strategy by promoting Dalit leadership and reaching out to Muslim communities, promising greater representation to both groups
LUCKNOW — The Congress has stepped up its preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections by strengthening its outreach to Dalits and Muslims, two communities that have played an important role in the state’s electoral politics. The party’s latest moves suggest it is trying to rebuild its support base through a Dalit-Muslim social and political alliance after years of electoral setbacks in the state.
As part of this strategy, the Congress replaced its former Uttar Pradesh in-charge, Avinash Pande, with senior Dalit leader Rajendra Pal Gautam. Party leaders believe the appointment sends a political message that Congress wants to give greater importance to Dalit leadership in Uttar Pradesh.
At the same time, the Congress appointed Imran Pratapgarhi as the head of its minority wing, giving him the responsibility of strengthening the party’s connection with Muslim voters.
The appointments are being viewed as part of a wider effort to bring Dalits and Muslims together under the Congress banner ahead of the Assembly elections.
During his two-day visit to Lucknow, Rajendra Pal Gautam held a dialogue with Muslim intellectuals under the theme, “The Role of the Muslim Community in the Development of Uttar Pradesh.” The meeting focused on the contribution of Muslims to the state’s progress and ways in which the community could continue to participate in its social and economic development.
The discussion was attended by academics, former officials, religious scholars and professionals from different fields. Participants shared their views on education, representation, employment and the role of Muslims in the state’s future.
Addressing the gathering, Gautam said the Congress had always given representation to the Muslim community and would continue to do so.
“The Congress has given representation to the Muslim community in Uttar Pradesh and across the country in the past; it is giving representation now, and it will continue to give even greater representation in the future,” he said.
His remarks are being seen as a direct attempt to reassure Muslim voters, many of whom have expressed concerns in recent years over political representation and participation in public institutions.
Congress leaders say the outreach is not limited to Muslims alone. Rajendra Pal Gautam has been touring districts across Uttar Pradesh, meeting party workers, students and different social groups in an effort to strengthen the organisation before the elections.
The party is also paying special attention to young voters. Gautam has been visiting colleges and educational institutions to interact with students and encourage greater political participation among the youth.
Political observers believe the Congress hopes that a stronger grassroots presence, combined with renewed engagement with Dalits and Muslims, could improve its electoral position in the state.
Gautam’s recent political meetings have also attracted attention. A few days ago, he met Swami Prasad Maurya in Lucknow. The meeting led to speculation about a possible political cooperation between the Congress and Maurya’s Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party (RSSP).
Both leaders are followers of Buddhism, and political circles have suggested that the meeting could be part of broader discussions on opposition unity and social justice politics. There has also been speculation that Swami Prasad Maurya could eventually join the Congress, although neither side has confirmed such reports.
Congress leaders have not commented publicly on the political significance of the meeting, but party insiders say Rajendra Pal Gautam is exploring every possible option to strengthen the Congress among Dalit voters.
Earlier this year, Gautam had also visited the residence of Mayawati in Lucknow. Although the BSP chief did not meet him, Gautam later said he had visited because of old personal relations and not for any formal political discussion.
The latest outreach programme in Lucknow brought together several prominent members of the Muslim community, including former MP Zafar Ali Naqvi, Uttar Pradesh Congress General Secretary Saif Ali Naqvi, Tariq Siddiqui, former Director General of Police Rizwan Ahmad, retired Justice B D Naqvi, Maulana Kalbe Noori, Kausar Nadvi and representatives from educational institutions including Integral University, Era Medical College, Unity Degree College, Sunni Inter College, Shia Degree College, King George’s Medical University and Medanta.
Party leaders said the discussions focused on strengthening the Congress organisation, increasing political participation and ensuring better representation for minorities in public life.
Political analysts believe the Congress is trying to present itself as a party that gives space to communities that feel politically underrepresented. They say the Dalit-Muslim outreach reflects an attempt to rebuild the party’s traditional social coalition in Uttar Pradesh, where both communities together make up a significant section of the electorate.
Whether this strategy will translate into electoral gains remains to be seen, but the Congress has clearly begun laying the groundwork well before the 2027 Assembly elections by expanding its engagement with Dalits, Muslims and young voters across the state.
