Neither party released a detailed statement on the specifics of the discussion. However, sources familiar with the development indicated that the visit was framed primarily as a gesture of gratitude for SP’s backing of the CJP-supported protest held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters after the interaction, Ranka clarified that CJP remains focused on non-electoral advocacy. He noted that the organisation is not stepping into electoral politics and has no current plans to contest elections. Explaining the visit, Ranka added that it came after repeated outreach from SP leadership:
“Akhilesh Yadav has also been inviting us to meet, so we came to Lucknow.”
Also read: MPSC exam paper leak: Aspirants protest in Pune; NCP (SP), Cong leaders back agitation
Confirming the visit, SP national secretary and spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary termed it a courtesy call. Chaudhary stated that Ranka expressed thanks to Akhilesh Yadav and Mainpuri MP Dimple Yadav for their support and presence during the Jantar Mantar demonstration. He noted that discussions touched upon various subjects, including the Uttar Pradesh government’s reported closure of 26,000 primary schools—an issue SP has actively targeted the BJP administration over for more than a year.
Political analysts view the shared emphasis on public education and government schooling as a potential strategic link between SP and CJP, pointing out that education reform holds strong appeal among younger demographics, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Given SP’s long-standing campaign on the school-closure issue, commentators suggest the party possesses granular ground-level data across Uttar Pradesh that could assist advocacy groups aiming to build a broader national narrative.The controversy gained momentum on July 24, 2025, when Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the state’s BJP government had shut down 26,000 schools while simultaneously opening 27,000 new liquor shops. Following the accusation, SP cadre organized “PDA Pathshalas” at the locations of shuttered schools—leading to police filings against several participants—and subsequently brought the matter to the state assembly and Parliament.
Also read: Bharat Jodo Yatra was not to sermonise ‘Mann ki Baat’ but to listen to ‘Janta ki Chinta’: Congress
Looking ahead to the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the SP chief recently declared that reopening these schools will form a core promise in the party’s manifesto.
In the wake of the Jantar Mantar demonstration, CJP has similarly expanded its national focus on state-run educational institutions. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke rolled out a nationwide school initiative on August 15. The group made headlines again on August 21 when Ranka and fellow CJP members were allegedly attacked en route to inspecting a government school in Rampura Kanwarpura village near Jaipur, Rajasthan.
