Samajwadi Party's iconic symbol: The journey of the bicycle

The journey of the bicycle as SP's symbol traces back to the early days of the party's formation. (Image: Reuters)

As the election juggernaut enters the third phase in Uttar Pradesh – dominated by Yadavs – no one can miss the bicycle – the election symbol of Samajwadi Party. Some of the houses have bicycles hanging from the rooftops or the trees.

Vijay Pankaj, a seasoned journalist based in Mainpuri, emphasised the significance of this visual cue. "The sight of bicycles on rooftops is a clear signal of where the family's vote will go," he remarked. "It has evolved into a rallying point for supporters, symbolizing their hopes and aspirations under the leadership of the Samajwadi Party."

The bicycle, a ubiquitous mode of transportation in many parts of India, has transcended its utilitarian purpose to become a potent political symbol in Uttar Pradesh. It represents more than just a means of conveyance; it embodies the aspirations and dreams of a community rallying behind a political ideology.

Dr. Satyanarayan Sachan, a founding member of the Samajwadi Party (SP), reminisces as how Party President Mulayam Singh Yadav selected party's iconic symbol, the bicycle. “That was a significant moment when we chose bicycle as election symbol as it symbolizes not just a mode of transport, but a connection to the grassroots and the spirit of the common people,” he told this reporter.

Senior Samajwadi Party leader Reoti Raman Singh said that after bicycle was selected as an election symbol, people used to hang their bicycles on trees of on the rooftops to show their love for the party. “This trend is still continuing,” he said.

The journey of the bicycle as SP's symbol traces back to the early days of the party's formation. Dr. Sachan recalls the `historical’ moment when Mulayam Singh Yadav, along with other leaders, was summoned by the Election Commission to select a symbol for the newly formed party. Among the array of symbols presented, Mulayam Singh's eyes lit up at the sight of the bicycle, a choice that resonated deeply with his personal history and the ethos of the party.

“Mulayam Singh's affinity for bicycles stemmed from his humble beginnings and personal experiences,” he said and added: Mulayam Singh's youth spent traversing the countryside on a bicycle, a mode of transport emblematic of his determination and connection to the people. Even after ascending to political prominence, Mulayam Singh's fondness for bicycles remained unwavering, using them as a tool for public relations and community engagement”.

The story of Mulayam Singh's first bicycle, won in a fortuitous card game, highlights the significance of bicycles in his life and the symbolism they held. From his early days as an MLA to the formation of the Samajwadi Party in 1992, the bicycle remained a constant companion, embodying the party's values of accessibility and inclusivity.

Former UP minister Ramsevak Yadav, a close associate of Mulayam Singh Yadav, says bicycles had a vast appeal during the party's formative years. He describes how the bicycle became a symbol of empowerment for the poor, middle class, and farmers, embodying the spirit of the party's grassroots movement.

As the Samajwadi Party forged ahead, the bicycle remained a steadfast symbol of its commitment to the people, a reminder of its humble beginnings and unwavering dedication to their cause. “From Mulayam Singh's first ride to the widespread embrace by supporters, the journey of the bicycle is intertwined with the rich tapestry of SP's political history and legacy,” Manoj Bhadra, a political analyst said.