Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has defended his party's 'PDA' formula, saying it includes Pandits (Brahmins), as he sought to woo the community in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav accused the BJP government in the state of neglecting Brahmins, other marginalised communities and religious leaders. He also alleged that the BJP was targeting opposition workers and leaders. The former chief minister urged the Brahmin community to support the Samajwadi Party, claiming that the BJP was acting against them. His remarks come as part of the SP's efforts to broaden its support base among Brahmins, a community traditionally seen as a BJP vote bank. Yadav's defence of PDA, which stands for 'Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak' (backward, Dalit and minority), was aimed at addressing criticism that the formula excluded upper castes. By asserting that Pandits are part of PDA, Yadav sought to reassure Brahmins of their place in the party's political framework. He framed the BJP's actions as targeting not just political rivals but also religious leaders, suggesting a pattern of oppression. The SP leader's appeal is seen as a strategic move ahead of upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh, where caste dynamics play a crucial role. His statements were reported by The Hindu and Hindustan Times, both highlighting his accusation that the BJP neglects and targets Brahmins and opposition figures.