###Ladli Sisters, Farmers, or the Politics of Guarantees: What Will Matter in 2028?

Indian politics has entered an era where elections are increasingly shaped by beneficiary-centric schemes and the politics of guarantees. The electoral debate is no longer confined to ideology, party organization, or powerful speeches; instead, it revolves around a far more direct and practical question—which policy delivers tangible, continuous, and trustworthy benefits to the everyday life of the citizen? In this evolving landscape, Madhya Pradesh stands out as a compelling case study.

The 2023 Assembly elections in the state marked a decisive shift. The government led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan transformed the political narrative through flagship initiatives such as the Ladli Behna Yojana and a range of farmer welfare schemes. As the 2028 Assembly elections draw closer, a critical question emerges: will these same schemes once again prove decisive, or can the Congress party’s guarantee-based politics create a new political moment?

The use of welfare schemes in Madhya Pradesh is not new, but Shivraj Singh Chouhan elevated this approach to an unprecedented level. The Ladli Behna Yojana did more than provide financial assistance—it instilled a sense of dignity, security, and political awareness among women. Monthly direct transfers into bank accounts created visible, lived change. From household decision-making to voting behavior, women emerged as a stronger and more confident political force. This explains why, in 2023, a substantial section of women voters stood firmly with the BJP.

Similarly, farmer-oriented initiatives—ranging from income support and irrigation projects to crop insurance, electricity subsidies, and debt-related relief—helped stabilize the rural economy. These were not abstract promises but policies that farmers could see, measure, and experience in their fields and villages. The perception that the government understood their problems and responded in real time became a powerful political asset. The immediacy and measurability of these benefits remain the greatest strength of such schemes.

On the other side stands the Congress party’s emerging model of guarantee politics. Spearheaded nationally by Rahul Gandhi, this approach includes ambitious promises such as substantial annual financial support for women, employment guarantees for youth, and farm loan waivers. These assurances are undoubtedly appealing and directly address issues of inequality and economic distress. In Madhya Pradesh too, the Congress is attempting to position itself through this framework. Yet, the central challenge remains credibility—an area where the party is still struggling to consolidate trust on the ground.

The 2028 election will ultimately be a referendum on trust. The defining advantage of beneficiary schemes lies in the fact that they already exist, are operational, and have become embedded in people’s daily lives. Guarantee politics, in contrast, speaks of a future yet to be realized. Indian voters are gradually shifting from faith in promises to faith in experience. If guarantees remain confined to election manifestos and fail to translate into effective governance, the political cost could be severe.

That said, no election can be won on past achievements alone. By 2028, issues such as inflation, unemployment, water scarcity, climate change, education, and healthcare will loom larger. The party that succeeds in integrating beneficiary schemes with these emerging challenges will gain a strategic advantage. Today’s women and youth voters seek not just financial assistance, but respect, opportunity, and long-term security for their future.

In conclusion, beneficiary-oriented schemes have become the foundation of a durable vote base in Madhya Pradesh. Initiatives like Ladli Behna and farmer welfare programs are no longer mere electoral tools; they have evolved into instruments of social and economic transformation. Guarantee politics is new and compelling, but its success will depend entirely on credibility and execution. In 2028, the real contest will not be between slogans, but between lived experience and promised hope.