The Samajwadi Party was established in October 1992 by Mulayam Singh Yadav, following a split from the Janata Dal. The party's roots are deeply tied to the socialist movement led by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, emphasizing equality and representation for marginalized communities.

SP quickly rose to prominence in Uttar Pradesh, forming the state government multiple times. Under Mulayam Singh and later his son Akhilesh Yadav, the party developed a strong base among OBCs (especially Yadavs), Muslims, and rural voters.

The Samajwadi Party upholds democratic socialism, social justice, and inclusive development as its core principles. It opposes communal politics and promotes secular values.

• Mulayam Singh Yadav – Founder and former Defence Minister of India; known as “Netaji,” he was a dominant figure in UP politics for decades.

• Akhilesh Yadav – Former Chief Minister of UP; modernized the party’s image and policies, attracting youth and urban voters.

• Shivpal Yadav – Veteran leader and Mulayam’s brother, known for grassroots organizational strength.

SP focuses on caste equity, minority rights, and farmer welfare, with a strong emphasis on rural infrastructure and education.

The Samajwadi Party's goal is to create a socially just and economically equitable society. Key priorities include:

• Free laptops, scholarships, and cycle schemes for students (launched during Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure).

• Development of rural infrastructure, roads, and power supply.

• Job creation, especially for youth and skilled workers.

• Protecting minority rights and upholding secularism.

• Affordable healthcare, pension schemes, and women's empowerment programs.

SP governments are known for initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and rural upliftment.

While SP is primarily rooted in Uttar Pradesh, it has a noticeable presence in a few other regions:

• Uttar Pradesh – Stronghold; has formed the state government several times.

• Madhya Pradesh & Bihar – Has limited but consistent vote share.

• Maharashtra & Uttarakhand – Maintains minor electoral activity.

• National Alliances – Participates in opposition coalitions at the national level.

SP continues to be a major player in UP politics, often playing a central role in alliance formations, especially during Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections.