In preparation for the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly Election, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has outlined its ‘firm promises.’ Despite coordination challenges with the Congress, SP is considering running candidates independently on 10-12 seats in the state. SP spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary clarified that these were not an election manifesto but a set of promises, to be prioritized upon SP candidate victories.
SP’s Pledge for 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly Election
Chaudhary also addressed the issue of coordination with the Congress under the ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’ (I.N.D.I.A.), stating that this alliance primarily pertains to Lok Sabha elections, making it challenging to implement at the state assembly level. As a result, SP is contemplating fielding candidates on 12 seats due to the Congress fielding candidates on all Madhya Pradesh seats.
Chaudhary emphasized SP’s commitment to empowering backward classes, Dalits, minorities, and tribals, including conducting a caste census and ensuring proportional representation. Additionally, SP plans to introduce a Samajwadi Pension Scheme for women.
Key Focus of SP’s Electoral Promises in Madhya Pradesh
The party is also working on establishing a Rapid Response Team similar to the ‘1090 Service,’ a previous initiative in Uttar Pradesh, aimed at preventing crimes against women. Other promises include providing 300 units of free electricity, minimum support prices for farmers, and employment guarantees for the youth.
Notably, SP has released the names of nine candidates for Madhya Pradesh elections, raising concerns about potential conflicts with the Congress, particularly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. Differences have already emerged over four seats where both parties have fielded candidates, including Chittarangi, Medgaon, Bhander, and Rajnagar.