The BJP has continued to project Hindutva as one of the central pillars of its political campaign. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior party leaders have accused the opposition of adopting what they describe as "soft Hindutva" only because of the approaching elections. BJP leaders argue that the opposition's recent emphasis on Sanatan traditions lacks consistency and is driven by electoral considerations rather than ideology.

At the same time, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has noticeably altered his political messaging in recent months. While continuing to champion the party's PDA (Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) social coalition, he has increasingly linked socialism with Sanatan values. Speaking at public events, Akhilesh has asserted that "Samajwad" represents the true spirit of Sanatan by promoting equality and welfare for every section of society.

The Samajwadi Party's outreach has also included visits to religious figures and temples, with the party preparing to launch a statewide PDA Rath Yatra from a prominent religious location later this year. Political observers view these moves as an attempt to expand the party's support base beyond its traditional caste coalition while countering the BJP's dominance over religious narratives.

The Congress has adopted a similar approach in Uttar Pradesh. State Congress president Ajay Rai has repeatedly highlighted his religious identity and has participated in temple visits and public religious events. Party leaders believe that emphasising Sanatan traditions could help counter the BJP's allegations that the opposition is anti-Hindu while allowing the Congress to reconnect with sections of the electorate that have drifted away in recent elections.

Political analysts believe the shift reflects a broader transformation in Uttar Pradesh's electoral landscape since 2014. With the BJP consistently consolidating a large section of Hindu voters, opposition parties appear to be balancing their traditional social justice and secular narratives with greater emphasis on religious and cultural symbolism.

The BJP, however, remains unconvinced by the opposition's strategy. Party leaders continue to accuse both the SP and Congress of pursuing "appeasement politics" in the past while adopting religious symbolism only in the run-up to elections. The party has intensified its criticism through public campaigns and protests, arguing that its commitment to Hindutva has remained consistent over the years.

As political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Sanatan politics is expected to remain a key campaign theme alongside governance, economic development and social welfare. Whether the opposition's evolving strategy succeeds in broadening its electoral appeal or the BJP retains its advantage on the Hindutva plank is likely to become one of the defining questions of the upcoming election battle.