Ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, political parties are intensifying their efforts to court the Nishad community, a significant Other Backward Classes (OBC) demographic encompassing traditional boatmen and fishermen. This community, comprising various sub-castes such as Mallahs, Binds, Manjhis, Kewats, and Kashyaps, is estimated to constitute between 18-20% of the total OBC votes in the state.
Key Political Maneuvers to Court the Nishad Vote
Recent political developments indicate a strategic push by major parties to capture the Nishad vote bank. The central government appointed former BJP MP Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, who belongs to the Nishad community, as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). This move is seen as a significant outreach to the community.
In parallel, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has appointed Rukmani Devi Nishad, sister of the late bandit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi, as the chief of its women’s wing in Uttar Pradesh. This appointment aims to leverage the legacy of Phoolan Devi and connect with a wider segment of the Nishad population.
The Nishad Party, led by state Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad and an ally of the BJP, is actively working to solidify its position as the primary political voice for the community. The party has organized large-scale gatherings, including the Gurjar Kashyap Nishad Ekta Mahasammelan in Noida on April 5 and a Machhuara Sammelan in Gorakhpur on March 22. These events were intended to address reservation-related issues and to consolidate support among Gurjar and Nishad voters, particularly in Western Uttar Pradesh.
Significance of the Nishad Community in Uttar Pradesh Politics
The Nishad community’s political influence in Uttar Pradesh is substantial. Their electoral significance is amplified by their presence across numerous assembly constituencies, with some seats having over a lakh Nishad voters. The community’s traditional livelihoods, centered around rivers, include fishing, boating, sand mining, and agriculture along riverbanks. Political analysts note that their large numbers and economic struggles make them a crucial demographic for parties seeking to broaden their electoral appeal beyond traditional vote banks.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Nishad community is classified as OBC, while in Bihar, they are designated as Extremely Backward Castes (EBC). Similar communities, known as Kaibartas, are found in Assam and Jaliya Kaibartas in West Bengal, where they are categorized under the Scheduled Caste (SC) status. The demand for SC status for various Nishad sub-castes has been a persistent issue, with the Nishad Party actively campaigning for its inclusion.
Inter-Party Dynamics and Electoral Strategies
The Indian Express reported that Sanjay Nishad’s recent mobilization efforts, including the Mahasammelan, were aimed at highlighting reservation issues and uniting Gurjar and Nishad voters in Western UP. The Samajwadi Party, through Rukmani Devi Nishad’s appointment, seeks to appeal to women from rural backgrounds and maintain the ideology associated with Phoolan Devi. SP leaders have claimed that while the BJP might appoint Nishad leaders as ministers, their on-ground work for the community is limited.
The Nishad Party, led by Sanjay Nishad, has emphasized that the community’s votes are not automatically guaranteed to any single party. The party has also made overtures to Gurjar voters, advocating for demands such as university status for Samrat Mihir Bhoj College and the commemoration of regional historical figures. These strategies underscore the multifaceted approach political parties are adopting to woo the Nishad electorate.
The electoral landscape indicates a dynamic competition for the Nishad vote, with parties employing a mix of symbolic appointments, community-specific rallies, and a focus on long-standing demands for reservation and recognition. The outcome of these efforts will likely play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative and electoral results in Uttar Pradesh leading up to the 2027 elections.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
