Bhopal, May 9 (IANS) Looking to strengthen its grassroots network ahead of upcoming elections, the Congress on Saturday launched ‘Project M’ in Madhya Pradesh, an outreach initiative to mobilise women from minority communities and expand the party’s organisational base.

The campaign was unveiled at Indira Bhawan, the state party office in Bhopal, where senior leaders, including state Congress In-charge Harish Choudhary interacted with women representatives from minority communities and outlined plans to increase their role in political and social leadership.

State Congress President Jitu Patwari said the initiative aims to ensure wider participation among women who traditionally remain outside mainstream politics.

“‘Project M’ is a mission to connect women from minority communities with leadership and decision-making. We want them to become active participants in strengthening democracy and society,” Patwari added.

Addressing the first meeting of the initiative, the State Congress Chief said the Congress believes real political change begins at the grassroots.

“Through this campaign, women will become the bridge between society and democratic participation,” he added.

Out of power in Madhya Pradesh for more than 20 years, the Congress is attempting to rebuild its base through focused social and organisational campaigns.

Congress leaders said ‘Project M’ is a long-term effort to create a separate grassroots structure led by minority women and to identify new leaders at the local level.

As part of the initiative, the Congress has formed a state-level women’s leadership group of around 160 members. These members will work in villages, towns, and urban areas to connect women with the party’s ideology, welfare agenda, and organisational activities.

Unlike conventional mobilisation drives, women associated with ‘Project M’ will not be deployed in large protests or demonstrations, State Congress Media In-charge Mukesh Nayak said.

“Instead, their responsibility will be to directly engage with women within their communities, encourage political awareness, and build support networks at the local level,” Nayak added.

He said the campaign will be rolled out in phases across all districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Party sources said ‘Project M’ will focus on dialogue, training, and organisational work to bring more women from minority communities into active political roles.

–IANS

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