In an apparent effort to control political damage caused by SP MP Ramjilal Suman’s controversial remarks on Rana Sanga, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has made a strong symbolic outreach to the Thakur community by invoking Maharana Pratap. His recent announcement—promising a statue with a golden sword on Lucknow's Gomti Riverfront and a two-day holiday on Maharana Pratap Jayanti—has set off a clear message of reconciliation.

The SP is facing backlash after MP Ramjilal Suman claimed in Parliament that Rana Sanga was a traitor for inviting Babur to India, implying a controversial historical lineage. The remark triggered anger among Rajput/Thakur groups, especially the Karni Sena, which staged protests, even carrying swords in Agra.

Akhilesh’s silence initially sparked questions about whether Thakurs had been sidelined from the SP’s agenda. But sensing potential electoral damage, Akhilesh has quickly pivoted, attempting to reignite the old alliance the SP once had with Thakur leaders under Mulayam Singh Yadav.

• Two-day public holiday on Maharana Pratap Jayanti.
• Installation of a grand statue of Maharana Pratap on the Lucknow Riverfront.
• The statue’s sword to be made of gold, symbolizing royal legacy and valor.

These declarations were made during the SP's first-ever celebration of Maharana Pratap Jayanti at its headquarters—another clear signal aimed at regaining lost ground among Thakur voters.

Although Thakurs form just 5% of UP’s population, they have significant political clout:

• 63 Thakur MLAs were elected in 2017; 49 in 2022.
• Hold sway in critical regions like Awadh, Purvanchal, and Western UP.
• Played a pivotal role in SP’s earlier victories, especially under Mulayam Singh Yadav, who had close ties with Thakur leaders like Amar Singh and Raja Bhaiya.

However, under Yogi Adityanath’s BJP government, Thakurs have shifted their allegiance, making it difficult for SP to retain this influential base.

Akhilesh’s latest move is seen as an attempt to woo back Thakur voters ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. By aligning with the legacy of a revered Rajput icon, he hopes to soften the blow of Ramjilal Suman’s remarks and restore the SP’s social coalition.

Whether this outreach resonates with Rajput voters or is seen as political tokenism remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that SP has recognized the damage and is now racing to contain it before the 2027 electoral battle intensifies.