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In the political arena, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s highest decision-making body, is convening in New Delhi. The meeting gains significance as assembly elections draw nearer in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram. Unlike its rivals, Congress is yet to announce its candidates in these states. The party has promised various incentives, including free electricity and public transport, in states where it’s not in power.
One crucial topic expected to be discussed is the caste census. With the recent passing of the women’s reservation Bill and Bihar releasing its caste survey data, Congress is pushing for the inclusion of OBC women in reservations. Rahul Gandhi, the Congress MP, has emphasized proportional rights based on population, making the caste census a key issue ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka Gandhi has pledged a caste census in Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan has initiated the process, while Karnataka plans to release its caste count report in November.
Additionally, the CWC is likely to address legal cases against Opposition leaders. In West Bengal, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee faces an ED summons, CPI(ML) Liberation launches a nationwide protest against media and Opposition “intimidation,” and in Tamil Nadu, the Assembly convenes amid the Cauvery river water-sharing dispute with Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy leads a party meeting, while in Punjab, farmers protest against the Supreme Court’s SYL canal construction order.
“Stay tuned for our weekly analysis, ‘Road to 2024,’ where we delve into the strategies of both the BJP and the Opposition as they prepare for the upcoming Lok Sabha battle”.
