The political and ideological journey of Uttar Pradesh has always played a decisive role in shaping the course of Indian democracy. In his latest book, “Uttar Pradesh Mein Samaajavaad ka Safar”, eminent journalist, columnist, and filmmaker Dr. Utkarsh Sinha presents a detailed and insightful exploration of socialism’s evolution in Uttar Pradesh — from the freedom struggle to the present political landscape of 2025. This book serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and readers interested in understanding the dynamics of socialist thought and its enduring relevance in Indian politics.
Dr. Sinha traces the roots of socialism to the 1930s, when stalwarts like Acharya Narendra Dev, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia infused the freedom movement with socialist ideals. The formation of the Congress Socialist Party in 1934 marked a new chapter in the political awakening of India, and Uttar Pradesh emerged as the ideological and organizational hub of this movement. Through the principles of equality, justice, and empowerment, socialist leaders transformed political discourse and mobilized peasants, workers, and marginalized communities to demand dignity and representation.
The author highlights Dr. Lohia’s concept of “Sapta Kranti” (Seven Revolutions), inspired by the Russian Revolution, which aimed at eradicating inequalities based on caste, gender, and economic status. Acharya Narendra Dev’s vision of ethical socialism provided a moral foundation to political action, ensuring that power remained a means to social upliftment, not personal gain. These ideals, as the book explains, became the lifeblood of Uttar Pradesh’s political identity.
As the narrative progresses, Dr. Sinha examines the post-independence trajectory of socialism — from the movements led by Ram Manohar Lohia and Mulayam Singh Yadav to the consolidation of socialist thought into a mass-based political force. The Mandal Commission revolutionized Indian politics by institutionalizing social justice, while the anti-Emergency movements reaffirmed the socialist commitment to democracy and civil liberties.
In contemporary times, Akhilesh Yadav’s leadership has given socialism a modern interpretation. His initiatives like the laptop distribution scheme, metro rail projects, and the “PDA” (Backward, Dalit, and Minority) strategy have attempted to merge socialist ideals with technological advancement and inclusive growth. The book vividly describes how the Samajwadi Party’s success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning 37 seats, represented a revival of socialist politics against the backdrop of the BJP’s dominance.
Yet, Dr. Sinha does not overlook the challenges confronting socialism in Uttar Pradesh. He critically analyzes the ideological contest between socialism and Hindutva, the organizational shortcomings of socialist parties, and the evolving nature of voter expectations in the digital era. The book concludes with a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing that the future of socialism lies in fostering social inclusion, harnessing digital platforms for mass engagement, and strengthening political alliances.