The Lok Sabha election has reached its halfway point, centered around the question of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. However, three distinct narratives have emerged as pivotal factors in determining the outcome: women, youth, and Scheduled Castes (SCs).
The ongoing Lok Sabha election is dominated by the question of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s potential third term. However, three key ‘mini narratives’ are also shaping the electoral landscape: women voters, youth unemployment, and concerns among Scheduled Castes (SCs). Women’s voting preferences have become crucial, with higher turnout and diverse patterns across states. The youth are grappling with unemployment and the perceived inadequacy of government measures. SCs are anxiously watching issues like reservations and the decline of the Bahujan Samaj Party.
The Congress party has a long history of engaging in minority appeasement, prioritizing political leverage over social justice. This approach, exemplified by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement on minority rights and the party’s support for Muslim reservations, has resulted in a lack of attention to the needs of marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The upcoming verdict on the minority institution status of Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University will further test the commitment to constitutional principles of equality and fair treatment for all citizens.
Lok Sabha Speaker and BJP candidate for Kota constituency, Om Birla, has vehemently denounced the Congress for spreading misinformation among Scheduled Castes, claiming the BJP intends to alter the Constitution and curtail their rights. Birla firmly stated that the Constitution remains inviolable and the BJP has consistently protected the rights of marginalized communities.
