SP-RLD row over chavanni flips open caste fault lines ahead of U.P. poll
A dispute between the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal over the chavanni issue has exposed caste divisions before the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. Jayant’s party switch and the Samajwadi Party’s criticism have strained the RLD’s “bhaichara” platform, prompting both sides to seek support from Jats, Gurjars and Muslims in western Uttar Pradesh. The rivalry highlights the parties’ reliance on caste-based alliances.