Lok Sabha elections 2024: How BJP, Congress go extra mile to get people's pulse right on poll manifesto

Inclusivity is at the heart of the poll campaigns and manifestoes (yet to be released) by political parties, especially the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. Over the years, parties have focused on "inclusivity" and "people-friendly" policies. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections too, political parties have upped their ante to seek public opinions to formulate their manifestos and campaigns.

Whether it's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest catch-phrase "Modi ka Parivar" or the Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra — many tactics of these political parties reflect upon their intent to include the general public in the planning and strategy, especially to emerge as a party which can relate to the common man.

Here's a look at how the BJP and Congress are emphasising inclusivity:

The BJP is trying to make 'Modi ka Parivar' a mass campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. This is seen as yet another attempt to make the public/voters connect with PM Modi and promote the idea of "one family" — "Mera Bharat, Mera parivar". This is in line with the “Mai bhi Chowkidar" theme in 2019 and “chaiwala" theme in the 2014 general elections.

After Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's "Modi has no family" jibe, several BJP leaders suffixed their names on social media profiles with "Modi Ka Parivar". Meanwhile, posted: “Entire nation is saying in one voice — Main Hoon Modi Ka Parivar!"

The BJP has sought suggestions from the public to formulate its poll manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha elections this year. "Your inputs will shape BJP's 2024 election manifesto," the BJP's poster read.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), PM Modi said, " for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections." He asked the youth to share their thoughts on the