Congress Revives ‘Constitution at Risk’ Narrative for 2027 State Elections
Indiadailyupdate.com – The Congress party is once again leveraging the “Constitution khatre mein hai” narrative as a central theme in its strategy for the 2027 assembly elections, aiming to challenge the BJP’s dominance. This approach, which has been strategically deployed in recent political campaigns, seeks to highlight concerns over constitutional integrity and governance under the current ruling coalition. With the BJP’s growing influence in key states, the Congress is positioning itself to reframe the national discourse by emphasizing the risks to India’s democratic framework.
Analysts note that the BJP’s efforts to consolidate power—such as strategic alliances and legislative maneuvering—have intensified the Congress’s focus on this issue. By drawing attention to the party’s attempts to secure a supermajority, the Congress hopes to position itself as the guardian of constitutional values. The upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Gujarat, and Manipur are viewed as critical battlegrounds where this narrative can resonate most effectively. The Congress’s push for a renewed campaign on constitutional threats aims to capitalize on voter sentiment against centralized authority.
Historical Context and Strategic Shifts
The “Constitution at risk” argument has roots in past political strategies, often used to underscore concerns about executive overreach. In 2024, the Congress successfully employed this narrative to gain traction in the Lok Sabha elections, leveraging it to criticize the BJP’s majority rule. Now, with the party facing fresh challenges, leaders are revisiting this approach, believing it remains a potent tool to mobilize public opinion. Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress official, recently pointed out that the BJP’s failure to secure a special majority in the Lok Sabha highlighted its vulnerability, which the party is now exploiting through targeted disruptions.
“The single cause for this is the humiliation that the self-styled Chanakya of Indian politics suffered on April 17 in the Lok Sabha. He promised the prime minister he would secure the three delimitation bills, but couldn’t muster more than 298 votes.”
“He decided to take revenge on that day for the humiliation he endured. Now, he’s immersed in ‘todh-phod ki rajniti’—a campaign of disruption. He broke the TMC, he’s breaking the Shiv Sena, all in search of a two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution.”
Targeting Electoral Blocs
The Congress’s strategy involves targeting opposition alliances, particularly in states where the BJP’s dominance is perceived as a threat to local representation. In Uttar Pradesh, where Dalits constitute 21% of the population, the party is seeking to rekindle voter support by tapping into concerns about marginalization. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw Dalit voters shifting to the SP and Congress alliance, contributing to its unexpected gain of 43 seats. This trend underscores the potential for the Congress to rebuild its base by aligning with marginalized groups.
With Mayawati’s influence waning, the Congress is also considering a Dalit state unit president to bolster its appeal. Discussions are ongoing to replace the current leader with someone from the Dalit community, aiming to capture the 33% of voters traditionally aligned with the SP and Congress. If the alliance can secure 21% of Dalit support, it may emerge as a formidable force in the state. This move reflects the Congress’s effort to rebuild trust and relevance in regions where its traditional influence has declined.
Political observers highlight that the “Constitution at risk” narrative serves as both a critique of the BJP’s governance and a rallying point for the Congress. By linking the party’s actions to constitutional amendments, the Congress is able to frame its opposition as a necessary safeguard against authoritarian tendencies. This approach has already been tested in previous elections, and its success in 2024 suggests it could be a key asset in 2027. However, the challenge lies in maintaining its impact without falling into repetition or losing credibility with voters.
As the Congress prepares for the upcoming state polls, the focus on constitutional threats is expected to be a recurring theme. With the BJP’s aggressive tactics—such as breaking away from rival parties and consolidating support—Congress leaders are confident that this narrative can resonate across multiple states. The success of such a strategy will depend on the party’s ability to articulate clear concerns, back them with evidence, and connect them to the everyday experiences of voters. If executed effectively, the Congress could use this theme to regain ground in key constituencies.
