social issues | Salsanis Analytics

**Akhilesh Yadav Emphasizes Caste as Emotional Connect, Criticizes BJP Government in Uttar Pradesh**

*Lucknow:* Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday underscored caste as an emotional connection for backward communities, highlighting that reservation was granted on this basis. Referring to the Mandal Commission, he noted that it clearly stated backward classes are entitled to reservation due to caste-based discrimination.

Addressing a press conference at the SP office in Lucknow, Yadav criticized the Yogi Adityanath government’s recent order that caste should not be mentioned in FIRs, arrest warrants, or any official documents. He remarked, “The Harijan Act itself is based on caste. Action should be taken against those who purified houses with Ganga water because Dalits had entered them. I went to a temple where the priest allowed me, but BJP people still got the temple washed. They should explain why.”

Yadav claimed that the BJP is unsettled by the growing unity of PDA (Pichhde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) communities. “Ever since we released data on the representation of PDA in different departments, BJP has panicked and started humiliating people. Today, PDA trusts the Samajwadi Party,” he added.

Highlighting corruption, the SP president alleged that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has broken all records. “Even legislators are admitting on stage that there is a ten percent commission, but they do not speak further. Instead, they are distracting people with talk of cream, powder, and shampoo. We will also go to the market. The truth is that discussions are only with those making huge profits,” Yadav said.

On the occasion, Yadav welcomed several leaders into the Samajwadi Party, including Sudhir Chauhan, former MLA Chaudhary Amar Singh, Vidyasagar, and Lalji Bharti, who joined after leaving the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Further, Yadav accused the BJP of conspiring against farmers by forcibly acquiring their land. “This government grabs land by ignoring laws, creating pressure, filing false cases, and cheating farmers. Development cannot come at the cost of injustice to farmers. When our government comes, compensation will be given by increasing the circle rate,” he declared.

Yadav’s sharp remarks come at a time when the Samajwadi Party is seeking to build momentum for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. By repeatedly invoking PDA, he is positioning himself as the political voice of backward castes, Dalits, and minorities, aiming to counter the BJP’s consolidation of upper castes and non-Yadav OBCs.

Analysts say Yadav’s emphasis on caste as an “emotional connect” signals a return to Mandal-era politics, which could energize the SP’s traditional base. His criticism of corruption and land acquisition is also aimed at appealing to farmers and small traders, sections that have shown signs of discontent with the ruling BJP.

With new leaders from the BSP joining the SP, Yadav is also attempting to broaden his party’s social coalition. The challenge, however, remains whether the SP can translate this strategy into a statewide narrative that resonates beyond its core support base.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/samajwadi-party-chief-akhilesh-yadav-says-caste-is-emotional-connect-accuses-bjp-of-fearing-pda-unity-video

Vice President JD Vance responded Wednesday to a viral segment featuring former MSNBC host Joy Reid by posting a lighthearted meme mocking her remarks about his background and education.

Reid, who was dismissed from MSNBC in February, made her comments during an interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon. The conversation drew attention online as she linked Vance’s academic career to affirmative action policies and criticized his public stance on the issue.

The discussion began with Reid reflecting on the recent death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk before turning to criticism of Vance. She accused him of benefiting from affirmative action in the same way that she claimed women and minorities have historically relied on such programs. Reid singled out Vance’s admission to Yale Law School, suggesting it was not based solely on merit.

“Maybe the way that JD Vance got into Yale is because they were tired of just letting in White men from New York, from all the elite schools, and they wanted an Appalachian White. That’s how that man got into Yale, I promise you,” Reid said.

The former television host argued that affirmative action policies have empowered individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including racial minorities, people with disabilities, military veterans, and those from rural regions. She claimed these programs helped place people in spaces they might not otherwise reach.

Reid also cited herself as a personal example, arguing that affirmative action contributed to her own visibility in media. “Right-wingers, you have the ability to know who I am when I don’t know who most of y’all are, but you know me because affirmative action brought me your way,” she said. “Tell the Lord, thank you. Be grateful for all that God has given you. God knows what God is doing. She’s a smart, smart lady.”

Reid has previously criticized prominent White public figures. In recent commentary, she described Elvis Presley as a mediocre White man, a remark that also drew widespread online debate.

In response to the interview clip circulating on X, Vance posted a meme of himself, appearing to downplay Reid’s criticisms. The image quickly spread across social media, with his supporters creating and sharing memes of their own in solidarity.

The exchange highlighted ongoing debates about affirmative action and its role in shaping opportunities for individuals across different backgrounds. Reid framed her comments as part of a broader argument that such policies have benefited people beyond traditional categories, while Vance and his allies brushed aside her attack with humor online.

Neither Lemon nor Reid issued additional public statements following the viral spread of the interview. The Vice President’s meme response, however, ensured that the back-and-forth remained a trending topic on social media throughout the day.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/09/jd-vance-trolls-joy-reids-dei-rant-with-a-meme-that-goes-mega-viral-watch/