A remark by Samajwadi Party leader Shivraj Singh Yadav, considered a close aide of party chief Akhilesh Yadav, has triggered political controversy after he publicly stated that Yadavs do not identify as Hindus.
Addressing a gathering titled “PDA (Dalit–Backward–Minority) Pathshala” in Dandiyamai village under the Sirsaganj Assembly constituency, Yadav questioned the traditional caste hierarchy rooted in Hindu scriptures, particularly the Manusmriti. He argued that the caste system places communities like his at the bottom, a position he said he rejects outright.
“Brahmin, we are not. Kshatriya, we are not. Vaishya, we are not. What remains is Shudra,” Yadav said, asserting that such categorisation strips people of dignity. He added that he does not associate himself with any belief system that, in his words, treats human beings as inferior.
Emphasising personal identity over religious labels, Yadav said religion was not compulsory and that he identifies himself first as a human being. “I do not follow a religion that considers a human lower than a dog,” he said.
The Samajwadi Party leader also accused the current BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh of committing widespread atrocities against Dalits and backward classes. He claimed that despite Dalits, backward classes and minorities together forming nearly 90 per cent of the population, power remains concentrated in the hands of a small section.
Explaining the party’s PDA framework, Yadav said the coalition seeks to challenge entrenched social and political exclusion faced by marginalised communities.
While rejection of Hinduism has historically been more visible among Dalit groups—particularly through conversions to Buddhism inspired by its egalitarian principles—open disavowal of Hindu identity by leaders from the Yadav community has been relatively rare.
The Samajwadi Party and other opposition parties have consistently accused the BJP of pursuing policies hostile to Dalits. Akhilesh Yadav has repeatedly alleged a rise in crimes against Dalits under the BJP’s tenure, an accusation the ruling party has denied.
