New Delhi, In the run-up to India’s highly anticipated elections, the Congress party has promised to intensify affirmative action for marginalized castes, setting the stage for a policy showdown with the incumbent BJP-led government. Despite expectations of a strong showing by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP, the Congress party aims to reclaim its influence with pledges that focus on India’s socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Congress, historically identified with center-left policies, aims to challenge the BJP’s appeal among India’s Hindu majority through a manifesto that prioritizes assistance for backward castes and the economically deprived, regardless of caste. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to address persistent inequalities and discrimination within Indian society.

The electoral battle will unfold over seven phases, beginning on April 19, with the final vote count scheduled for June 4. The Congress manifesto, unveiled by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasizes the party’s longstanding dedication to uplifting backward and oppressed classes and castes. Kharge, who belongs to one of India’s most disadvantaged castes, highlighted the enduring issue of caste discrimination in his address.

Despite a muted reaction to the manifesto’s unveiling, suggesting challenges within the party in rallying its base against the BJP’s political hegemony, the Congress’s commitment to social justice and equity remains a cornerstone of its electoral platform. The party’s focus on affirmative action and social welfare measures reflects its effort to resonate with voters across India’s diverse socio-economic landscape.