Assembly Elections in Chhattisgarh: Congress Adopts Familiar Formula with New Strategic Twist
As the Chhattisgarh assembly elections approach, the Congress party is implementing a strategy reminiscent of its successful 2018 formula. Just like four years ago, the party is orchestrating various arrangements to strengthen its campaign. Programmesincluding worker conferences, booth management initiatives, training camps, and trust-building gatherings are being rolled out across different districts and regions in the state.
The efficacy of such arrangements was witnessed in the 2018 elections when the Congress secured a decisive majority and formed the government. This time, Congress leaders assert that, through these well-established methods, they plan to deploy around 10,000 party leaders to reach 28,000 booths across the state. Additionally, the responsibility for mobilizing the youth has been entrusted to the Youth Wing, showcasing the party’s commitment to engaging young voters.
\Taking a look back at the effective strategies employed by Congress in 2018
Worker conferences across regions: Echoing the 2018 approach, the party is conducting worker conferences at the regional level in the run-up to the assembly elections. These conferences aim not only to reinvigorate party workers but also to bring unity and focus among them as they gear up for the electoral contest. This approach also endeavors to address concerns of dissatisfiedleaders and reintegrate senior and influential leaders who might have left the party.
Comprehensive training programs: In preparation for the 2023 elections, Congress has taken a dual approach. Alongside the proven formula, they have introduced new strategies. Training programmes commenced in June and encompassed all assembly constituencies. Participants included block Congress committee presidents, office-bearers from the state Congress committee residing in the assembly constituency, and representatives from various state organizations.
Youth Mobilization: Mirroring the success of their 2018 campaign, Congress has once again entrusted the responsibility of galvanizing young voters to the Youth Wing (NSUI, Youth Congress). Under the banner of ‘If Bhupesh is there, there is trust,’ the Youth Congress is poised to reach an estimated 5 million people. Furthermore, the NSUI is leading a campaign called ‘The talk is about self-respect, our first vote,’ targeting first-time voters.
Work Allocation at All Levels: The party has systematically distributed tasks across its various departments at different levels. This approach departs from the 2018 campaign, which largely focused on critiquing the incumbent government. This time, in addition to spreading awareness about government schemes, there is a renewed emphasis on efficient booth-level management.
Gathering Constituency Feedback: State in-charge Kumari Sailjahas embarked on personal interactions with constituency leaders and workers to solicit feedback. Traditionally confined to party office-bearers, this time feedback is being directly sought from multiple workers. This approach enriches high command ithinsights concerning current MLAs and potential candidates.
Political Stance Unchanged: Congress, led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, has conducted meetings to underscore government achievements, address public grievances, and assess assembly-level performance.
Meanwhile, Responding to Congress’s renewed approach, BJP spokesperson Anurag Agrawal asserts that, regardless of the strategy Congress adopts, the ultimate determinant remains the people’s choice in electing their representatives. Drawing a parallel, Agrawal notes that the proverbial “kath ki haandi” (a pot of wood) cannot be ascended repeatedly. The underlying principle remains that public mandates determine representative outcomes, eclipsing Congress’s manifold strategies.
