CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Valmiki community’s political influence in UP, important role on about a dozen seats
Lucknow. Ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, political parties are watching the support of various social groups. In this context, the Valmiki community is also at the centre of political discussion. As part of the Scheduled Caste community, its role is considered especially important in urban and semi-urban areas of western Uttar Pradesh. Various parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Congress, are trying to strengthen their support base among this community.
How large is the Valmiki community’s population in the state? According to available reports based on caste-wise data from the 2011 Census, the Valmiki community’s population in Uttar Pradesh is around 13.2 lakh. This is less than one percent of the state’s total population and about five percent of the Scheduled Caste population. In different regions, this community is also identified by names such as Valmiki, Balmiki, Bhangi, Mehtar and Lalbegi. While understanding population figures, it is important to take these regional identities and government classifications into account.
In which areas of western UP is the community influential? The Valmiki community has a notable presence in several districts of western Uttar Pradesh, including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Agra, Aligarh, Hathras, Bulandshahr, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar and Moradabad. The community’s participation in urban areas and municipal bodies also makes it important in local elections. According to some political assessments, voters from this community can influence electoral equations on around a dozen Assembly seats in the state. However, decisive influence on any seat cannot be assessed on the basis of population alone; support from other communities and the position of candidates are also important.
Who are the faces in political representation? Several leaders associated with the Valmiki community are active in Uttar Pradesh politics. BJP’s Surendra Diler and Anoop Pradhan Valmiki are among the prominent names. Surendra Diler is the MLA from the Khair Assembly seat in Aligarh and was made a minister in the state government in May 2026. Anoop Pradhan Valmiki is the MP from the Hathras Lok Sabha seat. In the Samajwadi Party, leaders such as Prabhu Dayal Valmiki and Jasvir Valmiki have also been active in political activities.
BJP, SP and BSP strategies: In previous elections, the BJP has tried to strengthen its reach among the Valmiki community through organisational activities and political representation. On the other hand, the SP is emphasising bringing various social groups together through its PDA – backward, Dalit and minority – alliance. The BSP has also continued efforts to strengthen its traditional base in Dalit politics. However, it would not be correct to consider any community a permanent voter base of any one party. Voting trends are also influenced by local issues, candidates, development, employment and people’s experiences with political parties.
How important will the role be in the 2027 election? The question of the Valmiki community’s political participation and representation may remain important in the upcoming Assembly election. On some seats in western Uttar Pradesh, the community’s local presence could be important for candidates and parties. Even so, it is not yet possible to say which political party the community will support. The issues that emerge during the election, the selection of candidates and local circumstances will clarify the actual political equations.
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