Identity Politics Deepens Over Brahmin Issues
February 20, 2026: In Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party raised a demand in the State Assembly to declare a public holiday on Parashuram Jayanti, observed annually in April. Party leader Kamal Akhtar urged the government to make the occasion an official holiday, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to consolidate Brahmin support amid evolving caste equations in the state’s political landscape.
The proposal has triggered mixed reactions. While sections of the Brahmin community have welcomed the demand, some groups from other communities have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction, viewing it through the lens of competitive identity politics. The development has added a new layer to ongoing caste-based mobilisations in the state.
Responding to the matter, Assembly Speaker Satish stated that there is no immediate response to such proposals and emphasized that all deities deserve equal respect. He clarified that the final decision on declaring any public holiday rests with the government.
Meanwhile, in Bihar, separate political debates and remarks related to “Brahminism” have sparked fresh tensions, further intensifying caste-centric political discourse ahead of key electoral battles. Political observers note that both states have historically witnessed shifting caste alliances, making symbolic issues particularly significant in shaping voter sentiment.