In the realm of philosophy, the principle of justice stands tall on the beams of morality. However, in modern politics, justice has a demonstrably utilitarian character. It often takes the form of guarantees of rights and welfare measures. The approaching general elections in India seems to be shaping up into a battle between ‘guarantees’. On the one hand, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is trumpeting the rhetoric of ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ to bolster the prime minister’s image as a leader who delivers on promises. The Congress has now come up with a package of as many as 25 guarantees that is set to be the principal plank of its electoral agenda. What is apparent from these pledges is a firm push to target specific social constituencies that the party claims have been excluded from the fruits of development under Mr Modi’s reign. There is thus the promise of a legal guarantee of a minimum support price, a demand that farmers have been voicing for years; stipends for women, an apprenticeship law for diploma-holders and graduates, the right to health for workers, a caste census, among other measures, have been included as well. That India’s growth story is terribly skewed is borne by credible analysis. The Congress’s attempt seems to be to mobilise the constituencies that have been denied their dues.

On paper, the pursuit of social justice makes eminent sense as a political strategy. It is also true that the meagre success the Congress has tasted in assembly elections in recent times has been the result of curated welfarism. But would the strategy deliver in the national elections that are far wider and deeper in terms of scale and complexity? Success in such an electoral test is contingent upon a number of factors other than a manifesto that promises inclusive, collective welfare. Prudent seat adjustments with allies, a formidable organisational set-up, alternative ideological and economic programmes, deft social engineering of castes and communities, creation and management of narratives, availability of resources and funds and, not the least, a credible leadership are of critical importance. At present, the Congress trails the BJP in most, if not all, of these parameters. There is nothing wrong with unveiling expansive welfare guarantees. But that does not guarantee the path to power.