In what can be termed a significant outreach effort to galvanise the cadre, with an eye on OBC-SC-ST votes in the Vidarbha region, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday addressed a Samvidhan Samman Sammelan here, in presence of hundreds of delegates and workers from the community. 

It was Rahul’s first major campaign program in the state of Maharashtra and beginning his campaign trail in Nagpur, the original turf of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), is being seen as a strategic move by pollsters. 

The Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, spoke at length about equal opportunities to people irrespective of their caste and also advocated giving powers to people as per their population in the region & state. The caste census also took centre stage during his speech. 

Interestingly, this comes at a time when Maharashtra is witnessing a slew of protests and demands by various caste groups, including the SC and OBC groups. 

The event, part of a series organised nationwide, brings together activists and leaders focused on OBC-SC-ST issues through panel discussions. 

Vidarbha, where a close contest unfolds in 34 seats between INC and BJP, has seen an intense focus on the OBC vote. INC leaders have intensified outreach efforts, with LoP in Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha Vijay Wadettiwar advocating for a 50% reservation ceiling raise to address demands from diverse communities and emphasising the importance of a caste census for equitable representation. 

This stance echoes Rahul Gandhi’s position and resonates strongly in light of recent movements such as the Maratha reservation demands, OBC responses, and the Dhangar community's push for ST status. 

 Adding to the INC’s focus on OBC engagement, Wadettiwar and MPCC President Nana Patole, both prominent OBC leaders, are actively working in the region. Patole has been holding meetings with OBC youth, while Wadettiwar, a well-regarded figure in the OBC community, is facilitating the Sammelan through the OBC Yuva Adhikar Manch. 

Meanwhile, BJP has launched the Ghar Ghar Samvidhan campaign, underlining its commitment to the Constitution and attempting to counter INC's influence. Rahul Gandhi’s participation in the Sammelan is expected to amplify INC’s message, with his advocacy for a caste census and dedication to constitutional principles resonating strongly among Vidarbha voters, building on the momentum that previously boosted INC’s success in the region.

The state of Maharashtra goes to polls on November 20, with counting of votes scheduled for November 23.