Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the Congress party has intensified its outreach to Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) in a bid to recreate the electoral success it achieved in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The party, which had lost its influence in Uttar Pradesh following the emergence of 'mandal' and 'kamandal' politics in the 1990s, witnessed several caste groups shifting allegiance to the Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Strategic Shift Towards EBCs
Congress leaders believe that focusing on EBCs, a significant voter bloc comprising numerous sub-castes, could help the party regain its foothold in the state. The party's strategy involves targeted campaigns, promises of reservation benefits, and development schemes tailored to EBC communities. This approach mirrors the coalition-building that worked for Congress in the 2024 general elections, where it managed to secure unexpected wins in several Uttar Pradesh constituencies by uniting non-Yadav OBCs, Dalits, and upper castes.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
Congress's decline in Uttar Pradesh began in the 1990s when the rise of caste-based parties like SP and BSP eroded its traditional vote bank. The BJP's 'kamandal' politics further consolidated Hindu votes, leaving Congress marginalized. However, the 2024 Lok Sabha results gave the party a glimmer of hope, as it won 6 seats in the state, its best performance in a decade. Party insiders attribute this success to a focused outreach to EBCs, who felt neglected by other parties.
Key Elements of the Outreach:
- Organizing EBC-specific rallies and public meetings with senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi.
- Promising enhanced quotas in education and government jobs for EBCs.
- Highlighting Congress's role in implementing the Mandal Commission recommendations and its commitment to social justice.
- Collaborating with local EBC leaders and community influencers to build grassroots support.
Political Reactions and Road Ahead
Other parties have criticized Congress's move as opportunistic. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused Congress of trying to divide backward classes, while BJP leaders dismissed the outreach as a desperate attempt to stay relevant. Political analysts, however, note that Congress's EBC focus could dent the vote shares of both SP and BJP, especially in seats with high EBC populations. The party plans to contest all 403 assembly seats in the upcoming elections, with a significant number of candidates from EBC backgrounds.
As the election draws near, Congress's ability to translate its outreach into votes will be closely watched. The party hopes that its renewed emphasis on social justice and inclusive development will resonate with EBC voters, potentially altering Uttar Pradesh's political landscape.
