Can the Congress party successfully compel the BJP to confront the daunting realities of price rise and unemployment? While the Congress endeavours to steer the conversation towards these critical issues, it faces an uphill battle against the BJP’s dominant narrative. The BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, holds a formidable advantage with its strategic focus on emotive topics such as the Ram temple, national pride, and veiled accusations against the opposition. These themes resonate strongly with segments of the electorate and have proven effective in shaping public discourse. In contrast, the Congress appears somewhat hesitant in its approach, often appearing overshadowed by the BJP’s assertive rhetoric.

Despite claims to champion causes of farmers and workers, the party struggles to command the same level of attention and authority in the political arena. Prime Minister Modi’s adept electioneering underscores the BJP’s skill in steering the conversation towards its preferred themes. This leaves the Congress on the defensive, struggling to assert its agenda amid the din of religious fervour.

However, the Congress’s focus on bread-andbutter issues like unemployment and price rise reflects a genuine attempt to address the concerns of common citizens. By advocating for a new justice regime and promising tangible solutions to economic challenges, the party demonstrates a commitment to welfare of the people. Yet, in contrast to the BJP, the Congress appears to both remain hesitant and subdued. Its messaging often lacks the vigour and assertiveness needed to effectively counter the BJP’s dominant discourse. As the electoral battle intensifies, the Congress faces the daunting task of not only articulating its agenda but also compelling the BJP to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues of national importance.

This requires a bold and assertive approach that transcends mere promises and rhetoric. By leveraging its focus on price rise and unemployment, the Congress can challenge the BJP’s dominance and assert its relevance in the political landscape. For, despite the BJP’s adeptness at steering the conversation towards emotive topics, there are cracks in its narrative facade. The party’s reluctance to address pressing economic concerns like rising prices and unemployment could erode its credibility among voters who prioritise tangible improvements in their everyday lives. This vulnerability presents an opportunity for the Congress to capitalise on and assert its agenda with greater confidence.

To effectively challenge the BJP’s narrative, the Congress must adopt a multi-pronged approach that combines robust messaging with grassroots mobilisation. By engaging directly with voters at the grassroots level and articulating its vision for inclusive growth and prosperity, the Congress can build momentum behind its campaign and compel the BJP to reckon with the realities faced by ordinary Indians. This bottom-up approach could prove instrumental in reshaping the electoral discourse and position the Congress as a credible alternative to the ruling party. But confusion in the party’s ranks and trepidation in its approach, have given the BJP an advantage.