In Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, several key discussions have emerged, encompassing a diverse array of issues ranging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "guarantees" to the contentious Ram temple in Ayodhya, and the demand for a caste census by the Congress party.
The "Modi ki guarantee" initiative, emblematic of promises such as free food grains for the impoverished populace, stands as a cornerstone of the BJP's election narrative, buoyed by the Union government's purported achievements over the past decade.
The construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya assumes significance as a focal point of BJP's electoral strategy, with the party positioning itself as the driving force behind the long-awaited realization of this religious aspiration. Concurrently, the Congress faces scrutiny over its historical stance on the temple issue, particularly regarding the decision to forego participation in the inauguration ceremony.
Hindutva politics is expected to feature prominently, with the BJP leveraging religious sentiments to consolidate support among the majority community. In contrast, the Congress may adopt a strategy of "soft Hindutva" reminiscent of previous electoral campaigns.
Economic concerns, including unemployment and inflation, emerge as critical issues for both parties. The Congress is poised to critique the ruling party's purported failure in job creation while highlighting the escalating prices of essential commodities.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime becomes a subject of contention, with the opposition lambasting its adverse impact on small businesses and its purported contribution to inflationary pressures.
Calls for a caste census resonate strongly in a state where approximately half the population belongs to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Congress leader Rahul Gandhi champions this initiative as a means to shed light on the socio-economic disparities faced by marginalized communities.
Women-centric policies, such as the "Ladli Behna" financial assistance scheme and political reservation, feature prominently in the BJP's narrative, highlighting the party's commitment to gender empowerment.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) emerges as a pivotal issue, with the Congress attributing its inception to the party's legacy while critiquing the perceived diminishment of employment opportunities under the Modi administration.
Lastly, agricultural concerns, including the demand for a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and farm loan waivers, underscore the parties' contrasting approaches to addressing farmers' grievances, reflecting broader socio-economic dynamics in the agrarian landscape.
