Yogi Adityanath Reads Dinkar’s Lines in UP Assembly, Criticizes Caste-Based Politics

Lucknow: On the final day of the 2026 budget session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a strong critique of caste-based politics, invoking lines from the revered national poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. His remarks, widely discussed in political circles, were seen as a pointed message to the opposition.

CM’s Message on Governance

Addressing the Assembly, CM Yogi emphasized the BJP government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of state schemes reach every citizen, regardless of caste. He said, “We have never viewed society through the lens of caste. You may think in terms of caste, but our government believes that every citizen has the right to access government services. Equality before the law and equitable benefits from state schemes are the foundation of our governance.”

Quoting Dinkar Against Caste Politics

To underline his point, the CM recited lines from Dinkar’s classic Rashmirathi, highlighting the cruelty and cowardice inherent in caste-based division:

“Mool jaanana bada kathin hai nadiyon ka, veeron ka, Dhanush chhod kar aur gotra kya hota hai randhiro ka, Paate hain sammaan tapobal se bhootal par shoor, ‘Jaati-jaati’ ka shor machate keval kayar, kruur.”

These lines, CM Yogi said, serve as a warning against exploiting caste for political gain. He criticized the opposition for dividing society along caste lines while neglecting marginalized children, including those from backward and Dalit communities, who struggled to access basic medical and educational facilities.

Targeting Opposition’s Past Policies

Specifically addressing Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, CM Yogi alleged that in the past, opposition parties failed to provide scholarships and other opportunities to poor Brahmin children and marginalized communities. “You have limited your thinking to caste politics,” he said, urging a focus on inclusive governance.

Significance Ahead of Elections

Political analysts note that CM Yogi’s recitation and critique set the tone ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. By emphasizing equitable governance and highlighting the dangers of caste-based politics, the Chief Minister appears to be reinforcing the BJP’s commitment to reaching all social groups.

Dinkar’s verses, originally referencing Karna in the Mahabharata, criticize society for marginalizing talent based on caste—a sentiment CM Yogi echoed to underline the perils of caste-based manipulation in contemporary politics.