Competing Narratives in Indian Politics: A Study of the Congress Party’s Strategies in the 2024 General Elections

This paper examines the ideological and electoral confrontation between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 General Elections, focusing on Congress's challenge to the BJP's Hindutva-driven political strategy. The Congress Party, traditionally a proponent of secularism and inclusivity, mounted a significant challenge to the BJP, preventing it from securing a majority. The paper analyzes Congress’s key campaign strategies, including the Bharat Jodo Yatra, advocacy for a caste census, and the emphasis on constitutional values, which collectively generated public discourse on national unity, economic stability, and social welfare. Drawing on primary sources, such as campaign speeches, the party manifesto, electoral outcomes, and expert interviews, this study assesses the effectiveness of Congress's response to Hindutva narratives. The findings offer insights into the party's future strategies for promoting secularism and countering identity-based politics, contributing to the understanding of the evolving dynamics of India's democratic and cultural politics.