Mata Prasad Pandey

The Samajwadi Party has appointed 81-year-old Mata Prasad Pandey as the new Leader of Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, succeeding Akhilesh Yadav, who resigned after winning a Lok Sabha seat. Pandey, a seven-time MLA and former Assembly speaker, represents the Itwa constituency in Siddharthnagar and is a prominent figure within the Brahmin community. Alongside Pandey, Kamal Akhtar has been appointed as the chief whip and Rakesh Kumar Verma as the deputy whip. The party's decision comes ahead of the monsoon session and reflects a shift in strategy, as many anticipated a Dalit leader would be chosen instead. This move aligns with the party's focus on the “PDA” (Pichhda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak) while also showcasing leadership diversity within its ranks. The party aims to address key issues such as farmers' rights, caste census, and law and order during the upcoming session.