Noted educationist and politician Mansoor Ali Khan, who is also the AICC Secretary incharge of Telangana state delves into the Congress party's winning strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections drawing parallels from the party's recent triumph in Karnataka and Telangana. In an interview with Salar News, Khan unveils the party's roadmap, highlighting the party's guarantees and voter-centric initiatives aimed at resonating with diverse demographics across the nation.

Q: What, in your opinion, led to the Congress party wresting Telangana from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in the recent Assembly polls?

 A:. The victory in Telangana was a result of several factors. When the state of Telangana was formed, our party leader Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party fulfilled a long standing demand of the people of Telangana of granting them statehood. Unfortunately, BRS took the credit for it. Subsequently they formed the government. Firstly, there was a significant anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling party where only a single family was in power for nine years. BRS’s Chief Minister was not accessible to the public. They utterly failed to fulfill its manifesto promises and were criticised for its dynastic-feudalistic approach to governance. Additionally, allegations of corruption in every segment and pro-corporate policies further alienated their supporters. We are not opposed to the development of Telangana, but you should develop both the corporate sector and the rural economy. Their rule only saw the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer. They were a classic example of total failure of governance. Moreover, BRS, BJP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) were looked at together as opposition to Congress. 

Q: How did the Congress party reach out to first-time voters in Telangana, and what promises were made to attract their support?

A: The rate of unemployment in BRS government was huge and the youth were very dejected. The Congress focused on addressing their concerns cutting across caste, class and religion by guaranteeing scholarships in education, creating more job opportunities, and offering social security measures. The goodwill of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and our National President, Mallikarjun M Kharge, resonated deeply with the voters in Telangana, contributing significantly to our party's success in the state. Their genuine connection with the people, coupled with the dynamic leadership of PCC President A Revanth Reddy, created a strong appeal among voters, particularly the youth. 

Q: How does the Congress plan to replicate and expand upon the support it has received from specific demographic groups, especially minorities in Karnataka and Telangana? 

A: For a country to prosper, it is important to see how the minorities are being treated. Today, BJP has made the minorities feel like second class citizens of the country. BJP leaders openly abuse minorities and give statements against them in public forums, without any action taken against them. Their agenda is to alienate the minorities and deliberately work against the spirit of the Constitution. They are not thinking in the larger interests of the Country. Even AIMIM works mainly on rowdyism, they create fear among the people. 

Yes, Congress did get overwhelming support from minorities but has also received a large chunk of votes from the majority. Unlike certain parties that seek to divide, we aim to unite the country and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all.

Q. With the digital communication platforms taking center stage in elections, how does your party plan to leverage these channels to engage voters and counter opposition narratives during the campaign?

 A: When it comes to digital platforms, particularly social media, we've observed a significant shift. Unlike traditional TV news channels these days, which often seem to serve the government's agenda and focus on bashing the opposition, social media platforms tend to offer a more balanced and neutral space. People are increasingly recognizing this disparity and are turning away from mainstream channels that propagate hate. BJP has mastered the art of manipulating digital platforms, particularly WhatsApp. This has led to widespread misinformation and polarization, creating significant challenges for a fair electoral process.

In comparison to previous elections, our presence and outreach on these platforms have improved considerably. We're striving to deliver our message effectively without resorting to fake news or sensationalism. We prioritize the welfare of the nation over political gains. We're committed to using digital platforms responsibly and ethically to connect with voters.

Q: What was the sentiment of subaltern groups in Telangana? 

A: In Telangana, though the BRS government failed to fulfill their promises, the sentiment of Telangana took them to a second term. But they underestimated the dissatisfaction on the ground level, especially among subaltern groups. There was a big disconnect between the Government and the people. The people could not approach the ministers as they were drunk on power. 

Q: Drawing from the Assembly polls in Karnataka and Telangana, where party's guarantees played a significant role, how does the Congress plan to use this strategy in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections?

A: What do we as citizens want? A basic cost of living, social security and good governance. The guarantees announced in both states were for people from all sections of society. Currently Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is to assure all the citizens that we will not discriminate and spread hatred, we are committed to uniting the country. Congress is offering concrete guarantees at the national level, addressing issues such as social security, economic development, and social justice. Our manifesto, under the Chairmanship of P Chidambaram, is  currently being developed through extensive public feedback sessions, and will reflect the aspirations and needs of the people across the country.

Q: Balancing national issues with state-specific concerns is crucial in a diverse country like India. How does the Congress plan to address this balance?

A: Slowly but surely the BJP is undermining the federal structure of our country. Non-BJP governed states are facing unequal treatment and neglect from the Central government. We recognize the federal structure of India and the importance of addressing both national and state-level issues. Our approach involves dialogue and consensus-building with state governments, regardless of political differences, to ensure effective governance and equitable development across the country.

Q: With the momentum from recent victories, what is the Congress party's vision for shaping the National political landscape?

A: Victory in Karnataka had a positive effect on Telangana, now the victory in Telangana will certainly have a positive effect on states and Lok Sabha elections. We will fare well in Maharashtra, West Bengal and win in Bihar, even without the support of Nitish Kumar. Now, the choice for our country and its citizens is crystal clear. Do we desire a government that thrives on deception, dismantles institutions, manipulates the media, and caters solely to the interests of a select few capitalists? Or do we aspire for a Government that truly represents the people, governed by the people, and works tirelessly for the welfare of every citizen?