After a series of electoral losses, the Congress party has mounted a spirited fight in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, determined to challenge the perceived inevitability of a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite early predictions of a decisive BJP victory, Congress has framed the narrative as a battle between those who seek to undermine democracy and those who defend it.
The party has seized on the arrests of opposition leaders and the targeting of its bank accounts as evidence of threats to democracy and a lack of a level playing field. Congress has also effectively countered the BJP’s slogan of “400 paar” (crossing 400 seats in the Lok Sabha) by raising concerns that such a majority would endanger reservation policies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It has promised to expand quotas for other backward classes and economically weaker sections by removing the 50% cap on reservations after conducting a caste-based census.
Congress’s attacks have forced the BJP to respond, with counter-allegations that an opposition victory would lead to preferential treatment for Muslims. Undeterred, Congress has maintained its offensive, with Rahul Gandhi addressing rallies while holding a copy of the Constitution. The party has also released a video challenging the Prime Minister’s accusations of receiving illicit funds, daring him to investigate the matter thoroughly.
As the campaign progressed, the BJP has recalibrated its strategy, emphasizing cultural issues and accusing Congress of Muslim appeasement. Congress has responded by highlighting economic concerns and sticking to its manifesto of 25 guarantees. While a BJP victory remains a possibility, Congress has demonstrated its resilience and determination to challenge the ruling party’s dominance. The outcome of the 2024 elections remains uncertain, but the Congress has undoubtedly managed to create a perception that it is still very much in the fight.
