Lucknow- In the heartlands of India, a movement for social justice has stirred. Led by the Mandal Army, a journey spanning Bihar to Uttar Pradesh has concluded, leaving behind a trail of unity and empowerment. Guided by the vision of equitable representation and rights for all, this yatra signifies not just the end of a physical journey, but the beginning of a new chapter in the fight for a fairer society. As the Mandal Army prepares for the next phase of their struggle, their message resonates clear: together, change is possible.

The Yatra, which began on the birth anniversary of Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal from Madhepura of Bihar, the birthplace of Mandal, concluded on February 17, in the Mohanlal Ganj area of Lucknow, on the occasion of the Death Anniversary of Karpoori Thakur. The Yatra travelled through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to reach Uttar Pradesh.

The Mooknayak spoke to Anirudh Singh “Vidrohi”, the president of Mandal Army, the outfit that undertook the yatra to press for various demands, including caste census and implementing all the recommendations of the Mandal Commission.

"We have undertaken the yatra in the states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, demanding a share in the resources of the country based on population. We have sensitized the people on the issues concerning society", says Anirudh Singh, a resident of Mainpuri, who added that he feels disappointed when the leaders don’t adhere to the 'Bahujan Ideology'. He says that one of the demands of Mandal Army was to conduct a caste census, but we do not need to be complacent with this and sit at home; we need to struggle, as rights can only be secured through struggle. The government has taken away our coat by giving us a tie; it has completely disrobed us and strapped us."

On being asked about the much-touted PDA of the Samajwadi Party in light of the recent nominations by the party for the Rajya Sabha, he says that it seems Akhileshji is quite confused. The 'A' in the PDA of Akhilesh Yadav means Agada (Upper Castes), whereas it should stand for Adivasi (tribal), Alpasankhyak (minority)."

One of the main demands of the Mandal Yatra is to conduct a caste census at the central level. The caste survey undertaken by the Bihar government last year has sent ripples across the country. Various OBC outfits in the country have launched a drive to mobilize support for the caste census.

Reservation in Bank Loans

Another demand of the Mandal Army is to provide reservation to the SC/ST/OBC communities in bank loans, as Anirudh Singh Vidrohi believes that most of the officers in the bank belong to upper castes and they prefer their own people for loans. Anirudh says that the need for bank loans has increased in present times as jobs dry up and businesses and self-employment emerge as the alternative."

Vidrohi says that during the yatra, which covered thousands of villages in many cities across four states, he observed that there is a lack of awareness about social issues amongst the people, but the positive thing is that they are becoming aware, although gradually.

In light of the Ram Temple Inauguration in Ayodhya and the consequent religious frenzy surrounding the country, 'Vidrohi' remains undaunted. He says the Mandal shall again smash the Kamandal if the people of the Bahujans unite as a fist to hit the Kamandal."

Speaking about the Yatra, 'Vidrohi' says that the conclusion of the Yatra does not mean the end of the movement; rather, an indefinite demonstration for our demands will start from that day, and many organizations will come under one umbrella for a show of strength.

The Mandal Army has floated a mobile number to mobilize support for the Yatra. The outfit that convened a yatra demanding caste census, has launched a mobile number 9368961090, which can be dialled by the user to express support for the caste census. The users who call this number will be contacted by the Mandal Army.

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