ASP to prove strength in panchayat polls: Azad

Jhansi: Azad Samaj Party (ASP) chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad 'Ravan' held his sixth public meeting in Jhansi on Saturday, emphasizing that the upcoming
Panchayat elections
in Uttar Pradesh will reflect the growing strength of his party in the state's political landscape.
Addressing the gathering, Azad said, "Our fight is directly with the
BJP
, as no other party has the strength to defeat them. The rural belt has a significant population of marginalized communities, whose issues we have continuously raised. It would not be a surprise if ASP emerges as the strongest force after these elections."
He reiterated that the party would carry this momentum forward into the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections.
When questioned about the BSP's historical role in Dalit politics, Azad responded, "I have all the respect for Behanjee (Mayawati), but her party has failed to stand firm for the poor and backward communities in recent times. They have been consistently losing ground. We are here to raise their voice with full force.
" Azad also rejected speculation about a potential alliance with the Samajwadi Party, clarifying that ASP would contest the elections independently.
"These Panchayat elections will clearly establish our strength," he said.
On the issue of job recruitment for backward classes under the Yogi Adityanath government, Azad alleged widespread irregularities.
"The govt is making false claims. Examination papers are leaking, and the poor are being systematically denied opportunities," he said.
Azad claimed that public frustration has reached such a level that there is growing demand for early state elections in 2026.
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