Akhilesh promises holiday for Avantibai Lodhi if SP wins UP in 2027

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Sunday that if his party wins the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, August 16 will be declared a public holiday in honour of freedom fighter Avantibai Lodhi. He made the announcement at an event in Lucknow organised by SP leader Yashvir Lodhi, attended by members of the Lodhi community from across the state.

Yadav also promised to install a statue of Avantibai holding a golden sword at the Gomti Riverfront. He accused the BJP government of corruption, farmer neglect, and dilution of reservation through outsourcing. Hindustan Times reports that Yadav reiterated his demand for a caste census, pledging to conduct one within three months of forming the government if the Centre does not act.