NEW DELHI: The party will emphasise on a collective leadership in the election.
Since the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha, Congress has been openly doing politics of backward classes. Congress strategists believe that caste politics has weakened BJP’s Hindutva card in the Lok Sabha elections. This is the reason why they got 99 seats and BJP failed to get a majority on its own. Therefore, in Haryana also Congress will fight the elections by carrying forward the issues of the Lok Sabha elections. This means that the “threat to the Constitution” from the BJP, reservation and Dalit voters will be its issues. Congress is sure that Jats and farmers will remain with it, and now it wants yto focus on OBCs and Jats.
By adopting this strategy, Congress has launched a nationwide movement against the NDA government, demanding an immediate caste census to address the concerns of the reserved classes.
By pursuing this strategy, Congress aims to appeal to both backward classes, particularly OBCs, and Dalit voters. In Haryana, Dalit and Muslim voters have been decisive in certain constituencies. Congress’ strategy involves leveraging key leaders to appeal to different caste groups. Former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda and party general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala will focus on attracting Jat voters, while Kumari Selja will address Dalit voters.
Another key aspect of Congress’ strategy is that they will not designate a single leader as their primary face. Instead, the party will emphasise on a collective leadership in the election. Congress might also adopt the Samajwadi Party’s formula of appealing to backward classes, Dalits, and minorities—referred to as PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Aurat)—as part of its approach.
Hooda is expected to lead the election campaign. Party strategists believe he is more popular than other Congress leaders and that his appeal to Jat voters is crucial.
However, there is concern that a direct contest between Jats and other groups could pose challenges. The JJP will contest vigorously, aiming to capitalize on Jat support and become the kingmaker. Meanwhile, the INLD and Bahujan Samaj Party are contesting in an alliance focused on Jat and Dalit voters. The Aam Aadmi Party will also work to split the vote.
While Congress is advancing its appeal to backward classes, there is a risk that if Jat votes are divided and upper-caste support wanes, it could jeopardize Congress position. To mitigate this, Congress plans to issue more tickets to Jats and upper-caste candidates to prevent vote fragmentation.