‘Reservation will survive only if Constitution survives’: Akhilesh Yadav on Aarakshan Divas

By organising Samvidhaan Maanstambh Sthapnaa Divas in the presence of the Constitution, we are reiterating our resolve to protect social justice, equality and reservation,” Yadav said.

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday stressed that the future of reservation is intrinsically linked to the survival of the Constitution, describing it as both a “shield” and an “armour” for social justice.

“Reservations will survive only when the Constitution survives. The Constitution is the shield, the Constitution is the armour,” Yadav said in a statement issued by the party.

To mark Aarakshan Divas (Reservation Day), the SP observed Samvidhaan Maanstambh Divas across all district and city units in Uttar Pradesh, including the state capital. The events were held in front of a copy of the Constitution to symbolise the party’s commitment to upholding the principles of social justice and equality.

“By organising Samvidhaan Maanstambh Sthapnaa Divas in the presence of the Constitution, we are reiterating our resolve to protect social justice, equality and reservation,” Yadav said. “The Constitution should always illuminate and guide our path to establish PDA [Picchde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak] Prakashstambh, our beacon for social justice.”

Senior SP leaders led similar commemorative programmes across the state. Among them were national general secretary Shivpal Singh Yadav in Ghazipur, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey in Gorakhpur, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Lal Bihari Yadav in Etah, MP Ramji Lal Suman in Firozabad, Awadhesh Prasad in Ayodhya, Dharmendra Yadav in Jaunpur, and SP state president Shyam Lal Pal in Budaun.

The party said that the day’s events served as a reminder of the foundational values of the Constitution and the continued struggle for social justice across India.