Mandu (MP), Jul 21 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday warned of possible manipulation in the voters’ list ahead of the 2028 Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, akin to what he claimed took place last year in Maharashtra, where the BJP-led Mahayuti won comprehensively months after a poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls.
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha was addressing through video link the two-day training camp for party MLAs from Madhya Pradesh that began during the day in Mandu in Dhar district.
“Voter list manipulation, similar to what happened in Maharashtra, could take place in Madhya Pradesh too,” he said.
Gandhi said if the Congress returns to power in MP, it would conduct caste census and ensure increased representation for Dalits, backward classes, tribals, and women in government jobs.
The BJP was spreading hatred across the country, Gandhi said.
He also slammed the concentration of the country’s economy in the hands of a few industrialists, which he said was leading to widespread distress.
Gandhi urged party leaders to intensify grassroots preparation to ensure electoral success.
Speaking at the event, Harish Chaudhary, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in charge for Madhya Pradesh, said upcoming elections will be shaped by artificial intelligence.
He emphasised the need for the party to strengthen its digital and social media presence.
“We must shed the mindset that the organisation should work as per our individual preferences. Change is necessary. The caste census is a significant contribution of Rahul Gandhi,” he added.
Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Umang Singhar alleged the BJP government was embroiled in scams.
“Farmers are struggling to get fertilisers. This resolution is aimed at ensuring justice for women, youth, the poor, tribals, and all citizens of the state,” he said.
Asserting the party is the body and MLAs its face, MP Congress chief Jitu Patwari said the period before the 2028 polls was a “test that we must pass”.
Former chief minister Kamal Nath, who addressed the gathering virtually, said youth and farmers were facing severe challenges under BJP rule.
“Investment follows demand, not attraction. Bringing investment to Madhya Pradesh is the biggest challenge today,” he claimed.
A Congress statement quoted Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha as saying that Central agencies like Enforcement Directorate and CBI were acting on instructions from the government.
“We must strengthen the Congress legal department and involve Bar Council members. A 17-member legal team has already been formed. Instead of fear, we must rely on the law and be aware of our rights,” said the senior Supreme Court advocate.
Congress media department chairperson Pawan Khera addressed a session on media management and communication strategy to amplify party ideology.
Motivational speaker Sonu Sharma and former MP Assembly principal secretary Bhagwandev Israni also interacted with the legislators and shared their insights.
The event, in which all Congress MLAs and senior leaders were present, began with the hoisting of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.
On Tuesday, Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Minister Ajay Maken is scheduled to speak on the party’s core principles, constitutionalism, secularism, inclusive development, and social justice.
Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate will deliver a session on digital strategies, including the use of X, Facebook, short videos, trolling response, and image building.
Last month, the ruling BJP had conducted a three-day camp for its elected representatives in Pachmarhi, a hill station in Narmadapuram district. PTI LAL BNM
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.