Cong promises ministry for Purvanchal: A game-changer in Delhi polls?

As Delhi approaches the final phase of its assembly election campaign, the Congress on Friday made a politically charged announcement: the creation of a dedicated ministry for the Purvanchali community if voted to power. The move, aimed at securing the support of the 30-35 lakh Purvanchalis residing in Delhi, is a direct appeal to a demographic that plays a decisive role in over 20 assembly seats.

Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Pradesh Congress office, Bihar Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh underscored the party’s commitment to resolving the challenges faced by Purvanchalis, a community culturally rooted in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Singh promised, “A separate budget will be allocated to this ministry to address issues such as health, education, and infrastructure.”

Singh criticised former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for his controversial remarks about Purvanchalis, accusing him of trivialising their contributions by suggesting they exploit Delhi’s public services. “Kejriwal insults us by saying we come on a Rs 500 ticket and leave after availing Rs 5 lakh worth of treatment,” he added.

Echoing Singh's observations, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate accused BJP leaders of maligning Purvanchalis by comparing them to Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas. “The BJP and AAP have used Purvanchalis as a mere vote bank while ignoring their welfare,” she asserted. “This ministry will give them the respect and representation they deserve.”

Pranav Jha drew attention to the party’s legacy in Delhi, attributing the city’s infrastructure and cosmopolitan identity to past Congress governments. “Delhi thrives today because of what the Congress built. It was the Congress that gave Purvanchalis a political and social identity,” he declared.

Former JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) student leader and NSUI (National Students' Union of India) in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar also weighed in, framing the election as a battle of ideologies. “Delhi has always belonged to everyone, but during elections, Purvanchalis are vilified. Congress stands for inclusivity, unlike the divisive politics of BJP and AAP,” Kumar said.

Kanhaiya summarised the 'Congress Coupon' initiative, which promises a comprehensive blueprint for governance. He emphasised that the coupon addresses issues ranging from employment to education, positioning the Congress as a party that listens to and acts on the needs of its people.

Delhi watchers say with this announcement, the Congress seeks to reclaim lost ground in Delhi by leveraging the sizeable Purvanchali vote bank. By addressing long-standing grievances and contrasting its governance track record with that of the AAP and BJP, the grand old party aims to present itself as a viable alternative.