GORAKHPUR, Sept. 19 -- As political parties seek to consolidate support among various caste and social groups ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, fisheries minister and Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Friday described former Samajwadi Party MP Phoolan Devi as an icon of the riverine community while accusing the SP and the Congress of failing to honour their promises to the Nishad community. He alleged that certain political parties remember the Nishad community only when elections approach and urged its members to remain cautious of such "seasonal" political outreach. Nishad was speaking to a section of the media at his residence before attending an interaction of BJP leaders led by national general secretary Vinod Tawde with party leaders. Nishad said Phoolan Devi had sought assurances about her security before surrendering. He demanded an investigation into her murder and the circumstances surrounding it. htc...