Lucknow, October 16, 2025 – In a move aimed at strengthening representation of marginalized communities within its ranks, the Uttar Pradesh Congress on Thursday announced the list of office-bearers for its OBC (Other Backward Classes) wing, allocating 65% of positions to Most Backward Castes (MBCs) and 35% to other backward castes. The announcement comes ahead of several crucial state and national political events, reflecting the party’s commitment to social justice, inclusive leadership, and equitable political representation.

According to the party, the newly constituted state executive committee comprises 197 office-bearers, including 31 vice presidents, 71 general secretaries, and 95 secretaries. The distribution of community representation was detailed by Manoj Yadav, chairman of the UP Congress OBC wing, who provided a breakdown of members according to caste. Among the appointees, there are 18 Kurmi, 10 Nai, 15 Pasmanda, 18 Kushwaha/Maurya/Saini/Shakya, 7 Rajbhar, 5 Baniya, 6 Vishwakarma, 14 Pal, 30 Yadav, 10 Jaat and Gurjar, 2 Chauhan, 7 Nishad, and 1 from the Banjara community.

Manoj Yadav emphasized that the committee’s composition reflects the Congress party’s vision of proportionate representation, aligned with the principle of “Jitni Aabadi Utna Haq” – meaning that rights and opportunities must be allocated in proportion to population. “The idea is to have an all-inclusive committee that will work to raise the voice of all segments of the OBC,” Yadav stated. He added that the committee will focus on pressing issues such as reservation, contractual jobs, and addressing atrocities against the OBC community across Uttar Pradesh.

The formation of this committee also signals the party’s strategic focus on consolidating its OBC voter base ahead of upcoming electoral contests. Yadav underscored that the party’s leadership at the national level, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Anil Jaihind, had played a pivotal role in shaping the committee’s composition. He expressed gratitude to the leadership for ensuring that the representation of MBCs in the state committee was proportional to their population and community needs.

Committee Structure and Representation

The committee is designed to function at multiple levels, with vice presidents, general secretaries, and secretaries tasked with coordinating activities across districts and blocks. The selection of 31 vice presidents ensures strategic leadership at the state level, while 71 general secretaries will oversee policy implementation, coordination, and outreach across different districts. The 95 secretaries are expected to work closely with local units to organize events, monitor community grievances, and facilitate access to resources.

Yadav pointed out that the committee’s design allows for targeted outreach programs, such as “Bhagidari Nyay Chaupal”, which will be organized at block and district levels. These gatherings aim to raise awareness among OBC communities about their rights to reservation, employment opportunities, and equitable access to resources. “Through these Chaupal meetings, we aim to empower community members with knowledge and mobilize them to demand their constitutional rights,” Yadav said.

The announcement also highlights the party’s intent to expose and challenge policies perceived as exploitative. Yadav criticized the RSS-BJP government for what he described as an institutionalized plunder of OBC rights. “The constitutional security chaupals will be organized to highlight how policies under the current government have marginalized the OBC community and restricted their access to jobs, resources, and social opportunities,” he stated.

Political Significance and Strategy

The move comes at a critical time in Uttar Pradesh, where caste-based politics continue to play a decisive role in electoral outcomes. By prioritizing representation of the Most Backward Castes, the Congress party aims to consolidate support among communities that constitute a substantial portion of the electorate. Historically, MBCs have often faced underrepresentation within party structures, and this initiative seeks to correct that imbalance while reinforcing the Congress’ commitment to social justice.

By allocating 65% of committee positions to MBCs, the party also positions itself as a champion of equitable political participation. This move can potentially strengthen the party’s outreach in rural areas, where these communities are concentrated and where issues of employment, reservation, and social equity remain highly salient.

Outreach Programs and Community Engagement

As part of its strategy, the Congress OBC wing plans to actively engage communities at the grassroots level. The Bhagidari Nyay Chaupal initiative will focus on awareness campaigns, legal literacy, and mobilization around community rights. According to Yadav, these chaupals will serve as platforms for discussion and problem-solving, enabling community members to understand the mechanisms for securing government jobs, education quotas, and social welfare benefits.

The program also intends to highlight instances where institutional neglect or policy bias has affected OBC communities, creating forums for dialogue and advocacy. The committee will leverage its district and block-level secretaries to ensure that outreach is comprehensive and reaches remote areas.

Commitment to Social Justice

Manoj Yadav emphasized that the newly appointed committee reflects the Congress party’s long-standing commitment to social justice and inclusive governance. He said that the proportional representation of MBCs and backward castes ensures that policy decisions and initiatives reflect the diversity of the OBC community. “We have ensured that every significant community segment has a voice in the committee, which will be crucial in addressing their concerns and ensuring equitable development,” he said.

He further added that the committee will focus on systemic reforms to ensure that reservation policies are implemented effectively, that OBC representation in public institutions is monitored, and that the voices of marginalized groups are heard in policy discussions. This holistic approach is designed to strengthen both community empowerment and political engagement.

Looking Ahead

The formation of the state executive committee is expected to catalyze Congress’ outreach to OBC communities in Uttar Pradesh. By prioritizing MBC representation, the party aims to enhance community participation, mobilize voter support, and advocate for policies that address historical injustices. The committee’s structure, with vice presidents, general secretaries, and secretaries, is poised to ensure that initiatives are coordinated efficiently across districts and blocks.

The Congress leadership has indicated that this is just the beginning of a broader strategy to strengthen internal party democracy, promote equitable representation, and ensure that the voices of historically underrepresented communities are amplified. As Uttar Pradesh heads toward future elections, the OBC wing’s proactive approach may play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment and consolidating community support.

In conclusion, the UP Congress’ announcement of its OBC wing’s state executive committee, with 65% of positions allotted to Most Backward Castes, reflects both a strategic and ethical commitment to inclusive representation, social justice, and political empowerment. With initiatives like Bhagidari Nyay Chaupal and a well-structured committee across vice presidents, general secretaries, and secretaries, the party is attempting to ensure that OBC communities have a meaningful voice in governance and policy advocacy.