Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav has pledged an annual cash support of ₹40,000 for women in Uttar Pradesh, should his party return to power in the 2027 state assembly elections. The former Chief Minister made the announcement during a press conference on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, positioning the 'Stree Samman Samriddhi Yojana' as a central plank of the SP's upcoming election campaign.
A Commitment to Women's Empowerment
Yadav emphasized that the proposed scheme would be a cornerstone of the party's election manifesto, directly linking it to the broader goals of women's empowerment and freedom across the state. "Today, I assure you that the Stree Samman Samriddhi Yojana will be implemented. It is a commitment towards complete empowerment and freedom for half of the population," Yadav stated.
He further elaborated on the scheme's potential impact: "By providing them ₹40,000 every year, the Samajwadi Party government will work towards helping women move forward and achieve progress."
Focus on Safety and Past Record
Beyond financial support, Yadav also reiterated a strong commitment to women's safety, promising "no compromise" on this critical issue under a future SP government. He highlighted initiatives from his previous tenure as Chief Minister (2012-2017), including the state's 1090 women's helpline, as examples of the Samajwadi Party's dedication to improving conditions for women.
The announcement sets the stage for a competitive electoral battle in Uttar Pradesh, with the Samajwadi Party aiming to unseat the incumbent BJP-led NDA government, which will be seeking a third term under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.