Akhilesh Yadav Ropes in I-PAC for 2027 UP Assembly Elections

Looking to challenge Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has officially engaged the political consultancy firm I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee).

The move signifies a major shift in the party’s strategy, moving toward a data-driven, professionally managed campaign similar to those used by Mamata Banerjee and M.K. Stalin.

I-PAC’s Mission: Ground Mapping & Messaging

The I-PAC team, currently led by Pratik Jain (following the departure of founder Prashant Kishor from active consultancy), has already begun operations in the state:

• District-Level Mapping: Strategy teams are visiting districts to identify “weak pockets” and potential swing areas.
• Stakeholder Outreach: Teams are interacting with party workers, local influencers, and social groups to gauge the local political pulse.
• Narrative Redesign: I-PAC is helping the SP refine its messaging on key issues like unemployment, inflation, and law and order.
• PDA Formula: A core focus will be the PDA (Pichda, Dalit, and Alpasankhyak) formula—targeting Backward Classes, Dalits, and Minorities—which helped the party secure 37 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Campaign Kick-Off: Noida, March 28

In a departure from tradition, Akhilesh Yadav will launch his 2027 campaign from Noida on March 28, 2026.

• Strategic Choice: Noida is often considered a “weak link” for the Samajwadi Party and is famously associated with the “Noida Jinx” for incumbent CMs. By starting here nearly a year before the polls, the party aims to signal early mobilization in Western UP.
• PDA Participation Rally: The event will be a massive show of strength to consolidate the party’s core demographic.

Background: A ‘Do or Die’ Battle

The 2027 election is viewed as a high-stakes battle for Akhilesh Yadav following a decade out of power in the state.