New Delhi : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is set to kickstart his campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly elections on Wednesday in Nagpur. He will be attending a “Samvidhan Sammelan” (Conference on Constitution) before heading to Mumbai for a public meeting where the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) poll guarantees are expected to be announced.

The choice of Nagpur as the venue holds deep significance, as it is not only the headquarters of the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, but also the place where B.R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956. Nagpur is located in the Vidarbha region, which holds strategic importance in the battle for Maharashtra. Of the 76 constituencies where the BJP and Congress are in a direct contest, 36 are in Vidarbha, making it crucial for both parties.

While Vidarbha used to be a traditional Congress stronghold, the BJP's dominance has grown in recent years. However, with the MVA alliance's focus on issues such as the Constitution, reservation, and caste census, and their strong performance in the Lok Sabha elections where they won four out of 10 seats in the region, there is hope for a change in power.

The BJP's threat to these issues has resonated with Vidarbha's vibrant Dalit movement and sizable population, making it a key battleground for both parties.