The Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), led by Chandra Shekhar Azad, has announced plans to establish a strong party structure at the booth level in all 403 assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh ahead of the assembly elections in 2027.

As part of its strategy, the ASP will form bhai-chara (brotherhood) committees and organize cadre camps, reflecting the organizational framework of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The initiative aims to strengthen the party’s hold over Dalit, OBC and Muslim voters, seeking to penetrate the BSP’s traditional support base.

ASP’s focus on grassroots expansion comes after its significant victory in Nagina constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and its impressive showing in the polls for nine Assembly seats, especially in western UP. Highlighting this progress, ASP state unit president Sunil Kumar Chittor noted the party. growing appeal among Dalit voters in constituencies like Meerapur and Kundarki, where the BSP has been relegated to the fifth position.

“In Ghaziabad and Khair, our candidates had a tough battle with the BSP, finishing fourth. This shift in Dalit votes has emboldened our efforts to consolidate our base,” Chittor said.

Chittor pointed out that BSP chief Mayawati’s decision not to contest the bypolls, coupled with the party’s lack of active campaigning, has sent a withdrawal signal to its core Dalit support base. “While the BSP leadership remains passive, our leader Chandra Shekhar Azad is actively fighting for Dalit rights on the streets and in Parliament. This contrast resonated strongly in the community,” he said.

Since its inception on March 15, 2020, the ASP has focused on empowering the weaker sections of society with the ultimate goal of gaining political power. “Dr BR Ambedkar’s mantra that power is the main key to progress guides our mission,” Chittor added.

Chittor told Hindustan Times that the ASP plans to establish a fully functional organization, from the state level to the booth level, within a year. He added that the party has already set up frontal wings to garner support from students, youth, farmers and women.

The ASP, which fielded candidates in 94 constituencies in the 2022 legislative elections but failed to achieve victory, notably improved its vote shares in recent secondary polls. The party now aims to run more strongly in the 2026 local elections.

To strengthen its reach, ASP leverages social media platforms to connect with Dalit and OBC communities in urban and rural areas. “We are ensuring that messages from our leaders reach our supporters as effectively as those from rival parties,” Chittor added.

Chittor pointed out that BSP chief Mayawati’s decision not to contest the bypolls, coupled with the party’s lack of active campaigning, has sent a withdrawal signal to its core Dalit support base. “While the BSP leadership remains passive, our leader Chandra Shekhar Azad is actively fighting for Dalit rights on the streets and in Parliament. This contrast resonated strongly in the community,” he said.

On the question of the possibility of alliances in the 2027 assembly elections, after the INDIA bloc shuts down in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chittor said: “Our strategy is to grow independently. Once we establish ourselves as a significant force, alliances will naturally follow.