Uncover the Congress party’s distinctive approach to the Dalit question in Madhya Pradesh. This study critically analyzes the ‘developmental state’ model employed under Digvijay Singh, focusing on economic empowerment as a unique strategy for Dalit and tribal upliftment, contrasted with political mobilization tactics elsewhere in India. Essential for understanding state-led social change, the potentials and limits of ‘development from above’, and contemporary Indian caste politics. A must-read for scholars and policymakers interested in Madhya Pradesh.