Yogi Adityanath Showcases Strong Leadership at Denotified and Nomadic Tribes Day, Announces Welfare Initiatives Amid Political Tensions
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath once again demonstrated his ability to balance governance, community welfare, and political challenges as he unveiled a series of welfare measures for denotified and nomadic tribes during the “Denotified and Nomadic Tribes Day” celebrations on Sunday.
The event, held annually on August 31 to mark the repeal of the British-era Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, became not just a celebration of social justice but also a stage to showcase Yogi’s decisive leadership and his ability to maintain harmony among NDA allies amid murmurs of tension within the coalition.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to uplifting marginalised communities, Adityanath announced a housing scheme, a dedicated welfare board, and land allocations for denotified and nomadic tribes.
“I request Minister Asim Arun to ensure these tribes receive land and proper housing. Only then will they experience true freedom,” the CM said, underlining his government’s proactive approach to correcting historical injustices faced by these communities.
Strategic Political Messaging
The event carried unmistakable political weight, with NISHAD Party chief and state minister Sanjay Nishad — who had recently challenged the BJP over “trust issues” — sharing the stage with Adityanath.
Nishad’s presence signaled NDA unity, and his enthusiastic praise for the BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and at the Centre highlighted the CM’s ability to rally allies even in moments of friction.
Thanking Yogi Adityanath for prioritizing the welfare of these historically neglected groups, Nishad said, “The tribes that used to flee from the police are now joining the police force because of the BJP government’s vision.
The CM has not only ordered surveys of these communities but also ensured they receive welfare benefits. This is the true PDA — Pichhda, Dalit, Adivasi — not just a slogan.”
His comments were a subtle counter to the Samajwadi Party’s PDA plank, further strengthening the BJP’s positioning among backward classes, Dalits, and other marginalized groups.
Reiterating his party’s support for the BJP, Nishad urged his community, especially backward riverine castes, to stand firmly behind the NDA.
“I took an oath to unseat those who oppressed tribals. Parties like the Congress, SP, and BSP, which exploited these communities, should be kept out of power. Strong forces like the BJP should govern both Lucknow and Delhi,” Nishad asserted.
Yogi’s Calculated Moves and Political Significance
Adityanath’s welfare initiatives are expected to have a far-reaching impact, benefiting 29 identified communities in Uttar Pradesh — estimated at nearly 1.5 crore people. According to officials, 14 of these are Scheduled Castes, nine are OBC groups, and six fall under the “Others” category.
However, the NISHAD Party has claimed that the real number of these tribes, castes, and sub-castes could be much higher, possibly spanning 193 distinct groups, indicating the deep social and electoral relevance of these initiatives.
Historical records show that the Government of India’s 1961 order identified 11 communities, including the influential Mallahs and Lodhs, as denotified and nomadic tribes.
The following year, 18 more communities were added. Today, these groups are spread across Uttar Pradesh and wield significant influence in 130-150 of the state’s 403 Assembly constituencies.
Communities such as the Banjaras (OBC) are concentrated in Agra, Farrukhabad, Hardoi, Mainpuri, Meerut, Sitapur, Unnao, and Etawah, while the Nishad community has a strong presence in Basti and Sidharthnagar.
The Mallah sub-caste dominates in Aligarh, Ballia, Etawah, Bulandshahr, Gorakhpur, Mirzapur, Mathura, Sonbhadra, and Maharajganj. Similarly, the Musahars (SC) are politically significant in Ballia, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Sultanpur, and Varanasi, while the Nat community holds sway in Allahabad, Bijnor, Fatehpur, Jhansi, Moradabad, and Muzaffarnagar.
Leadership Beyond Symbolism
The Denotified and Nomadic Tribes Day celebrations, while culturally and historically significant, also became a display of Yogi Adityanath’s governance style — one that blends symbolism with decisive policy action.
By offering tangible benefits like housing, land allocation, and a welfare board, the CM not only honoured the historical struggles of these tribes but also positioned his government as one that delivers results rather than rhetoric.
The event also showed Yogi’s political agility. At a time when whispers of cracks within the NDA could have weakened the alliance, his ability to bring Sanjay Nishad onto the same platform — and elicit public reaffirmation of support — reinforced his image as a leader who can handle internal political challenges while staying focused on governance.
Analysts note that Yogi’s moves are likely to have a ripple effect ahead of future electoral battles. With these communities influencing nearly a third of the Assembly seats, his outreach is expected to cement the BJP’s hold over key backward caste and marginalized voters, strengthening the NDA’s broader social coalition in Uttar Pradesh.
With this combination of political foresight, administrative action, and social justice measures, Yogi Adityanath has sent a clear message: he remains not only a chief minister capable of tackling challenges but also a leader redefining the political narrative in India’s most populous state.
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