In 2024, I interned with the centrist Indian National Congress party (called “Congress”, for short) in Wardha, India to understand what issues motivated voters the most ahead of elections for Member of Legislative Assembly. Like many parts of the world, India has been pushed to the extreme right over the past few years, but to the surprise of many, the far-right Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost its majority hold in Parliament earlier this year. I wanted to understand what Congress could do in local elections to continue this trend. After speaking with so many residents, it became clear that economic security was the most important issue for voters, not Hindu extremism.
I also had a second interest while meeting Wardha residents. Back home, I am the Youth Ambassador for Principles First (P1), and I wanted to see if P1’s 15 principles are universal, or specific to the United States. After meeting a wide variety of Wardha’s residents, it was clear to me that Wardha residents, like U.S. residents, wanted representatives in government who did lead with principles first, including integrity, respect for every individual and truthfulness.
I can’t wait to come back soon to continue my work in Wardha going forward.
"Everybody has their own choices. Everybody has their own decisions. Everybody has their own rights.”
“I would go with that party that gives a chance to everybody”.
This farmer in Wardha had a very clear sense of what the country needed.
“[I] believe in Indian nationalism…. We don’t need a single religion to be left. We want many religions…. Need to take everyone for [Indian] nationalism [and not make] a Hindu-only country”.
“Everybody belongs here. Everyone should have equal rights. Everyone should have employment”.
This grandmother (Dadi) was initially hesitant to answer questions. I assured her she could speak the truth.
“The food that was provided, that was also provided under … the rule of Congress. And there was a good arrangement for the education of the children. And the … so-alled employees, the young people, they were given jobs”. [Translated]
My translator offered to explain further:
“She said that after the independence, at the time of Rajiv Gandhi, or... Indira Gandhi. They have done a very good job by [giving] the chance of, a golden chance to them. As the people were not having money, enough money to go further on. So they just gave them a support, a kind of support to them that you keep on moving and we will just support you. So by, means Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi, they were just keen, they were a keen person to help all the people. … The Prime Ministers have given them a kind of opportunities which they were liking.”
Farmers in Wardha have a very difficult time making ends meet, and there is a high rate of farmer suicides here and across rural India.
“Farmer Suicide is a big problem in this village. There is a rate of Rs. 7,000 per 100 Kg. But they are shortening the rates. They are giving a rate of Rs. 5,000. They are getting nervous. And with the rainy season... So, they are not having money, they are taking bank loans, and bank loans will ruin their business”.
Some pictures from Wardha!
They emphasized that alleviation of poverty, education, fair agricultural prices, lower prices for staples, and infrastructure repair were where Congress should focus to win the upcoming Member of Legislative Assembly elections.
Inflation has caused the cost of cooking gas cylinders to increase exorbitantly. Promises of free cylinders weren’t kept, and with no jobs, families have a hard time making ends meet.
These Wardha residents pointed out that the Indian Constitution respects all religions and believe BJP’s extremism caused them their Parliamentary majority.
Wardha Monsoons!
Wardha is an agricultural society, with several crops growing.
Wardha roads are riddled with potholes, making access to schools and jobs difficult.
Bakri, or goats, are plentiful in Wardha.
Wardha women working in the first women's cooperative. I learned so much about their daily lives and what they seek in their elected representatives. Just as in the U.S., Wardha residents want economic security first and foremost.
These Wardha residents were initially hesitant to open up, but they found strength in each other's voices.
These women - who are workers, wives, mothers, daughters-in-law, daughters - came from different religions. Each rejected BJP's extreme Hindu fundamentalism. They wanted job security, lowered costs, good schools for their children, and help for farmers, among many other basic needs.
Very thankful to Jay, my translator!
Wardha is a beautiful agricultural society. Its roads are in disrepair, stifling economic growth.
This gentleman is a business owner in Wardha, who shared the challenges with high inflation under the current government. This is not dissimilar to American grievances heard during our presidential election.
Wardha is an agricultural district in Maharashtra.
Soybean crops.
Lots of traffic today.
The farmers I met described the need for better irrigation systems.
