Nitish Kumar and Akhilesh Yadav's discontent against Congress exposes opposition's division

In the grand theatre of Indian politics, alliances play a pivotal role. The unity of opposition forces is seen as the counterweight to the ruling party’s dominance. The opposition political parties in India have tried many times to come together but have failed. However, this time these parties showed their unity and came together to form the I.N.D.I.A. alliance. Yet, the recent rumblings within the opposition alliance have exposed a critical flaw in this supposed united front. The discontentment of well-known leaders like Akhilesh Yadav and Nitish Kumar, among others, highlights a crucial problem with the alliance that centres on the Congress party.

The Congress’s delay in discussing the seat-sharing formula is causing discord and threatening the unity of the opposition. As we delve into the intricacies of this turmoil, it becomes abundantly clear that the opposition’s aspirations are in danger unless they address their internal leadership roles, iron out their differences, and establish a cohesive strategy to combat the ruling regime.

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Congress conundrum

As the opposition alliance geared up to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party, their common objective appeared crystal clear. Initially, in the nascent days of this alliance, the Congress seemed content to avoid the central role, leaving Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to anchor the ship. However, a turning point emerged when the Congress secured a victory in the Karnataka elections, causing a shift in the dynamics and sidelining Kumar as the Congress assumed centre stage.

Amidst this transformation, a conspicuous delay in discussing the critical issue of seat sharing by the Congress began to emerge. A previous agreement among the opposition parties in their last meeting stipulated that these discussions would commence promptly. However, the recent disclosures made by Nitish Kumar and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav regarding the Congress’s stance make it apparent that the party remains unprepared for these discussions. Currently, it is claimed that these negotiations will only commence after the assembly elections conclude.

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It is essential to recognise that if the opposition alliance continues to rely on the Congress to lead every time, the prospect of the alliance’s success could remain elusive.

Quest for a central leadership role

The opposition alliance has yet to agree on assigning a central leadership role to the Congress and this dilemma has far-reaching consequences. The lack of a clear consensus on who will lead the alliance at the national level highlights the need for candid negotiations and discussions regarding the alliance’s electoral objectives.

Numerous opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and even the Janata Dal United, remain apprehensive about the Congress hogging the spotlight. Yet, these very parties appear reluctant to engage in meaningful discussions regarding critical leadership roles within the alliance. This dichotomy and ambiguity within the alliance raise red flags.

It’s undeniable that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s influence heavily relies on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s charisma. To effectively counter the BJP, the opposition alliance must address the leadership question. In today’s Indian political landscape, individuals often take precedence over political parties. This underscores the pressing need for a candid discourse on leadership roles within the opposition alliance, which the Congress, for evident reasons, seems to be postponing.

Perils of unity struggles

The opposition alliance’s current strategy of attempting to maintain a facade of unity at the national level while simultaneously engaging in fierce rivalries during state assembly elections is a fundamentally flawed and unsustainable. The persistent internal frictions within the alliance not only undermine its unity but also divert attention away from pressing matters such as governance, economic policies, and social justice. These crucial issues should rightfully take centre stage as the primary battleground for the opposition. In the tumultuous realm of Indian politics, the genuine concerns that hold the power to shape the lives of countless citizens are frequently eclipsed by the incessant squabbles that plague the internal landscape.

In this critical juncture, it is imperative for the opposition alliance to grasp the profound significance of their unity, transcending its symbolic value and embracing it as an indispensable strategic imperative. In the current political landscape, it is evident that the electorate remains disenchanted with the incessant bickering and discord that permeates the opposition. Rather than being captivated by the internal strife, voters are fervently desiring a viable alternative that possesses the capacity to actualize their hopes and ambitions. Should the opposition alliance persist in their current trajectory, they perilously jeopardise the faith and assurance bestowed upon them by the electorate. To illustrate, the Aam Aadmi Party is in direct competition with the Congress in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and even Mizoram. Similar scenarios unfold for other political entities like the Samajwadi Party and their counterparts. It’s imperative to recognise the prevailing sentiment among the Indian populace, who are growing weary of the concept of alliances during Lok Sabha elections but not in Vidhan Sabha contests.

Strategic planning is needed

The current predicament at hand serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing imperative for the opposition alliance to promptly confront the matter of internal leadership positions. In this critical juncture, it becomes imperative to establish a cohort of visionary statesmen who will shoulder the weighty responsibility of safeguarding the unity within our esteemed alliance. In a strategic manoeuvre of utmost significance, the proposed action not only serves as a formidable barrier against the disintegration of the alliance but also imbues it with a resolute trajectory and a profound sense of mission.

In this critical juncture, it is imperative for the opposition alliance to prioritise cohesion and robust strategic planning. In order to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the alliance, it is imperative that any semblance of confusion be swiftly eradicated. The presence of ambiguity and uncertainty within the ranks of this coalition can only serve to undermine its collective purpose and hinder the attainment of shared objectives. Thus, it is incumbent upon the alliance’s members to engage in open and transparent dialogue, fostering a climate of clarity The conspicuous lack of unity exhibited by political parties during the assembly elections has ignited a fervent debate regarding their capacity to maintain a cohesive front post the Lok Sabha elections. It is incumbent upon the alliance to assume the weighty burden of fostering a sense of assurance within the Indian populace, while simultaneously safeguarding their moral rectitude.

Congress dependency must go

Recent remarks from Nitish Kumar and Akhilesh Yadav underscore the perils of an excessive reliance on the Congress, potentially jeopardising the future of the opposition coalition. It’s a well-established fact that the Congress party’s operations are closely tied to the Gandhi family, with a strong inclination to keep the spotlight firmly on Rahul Gandhi. This approach is a fundamental part of the Congress’s modus operandi, regardless of Rahul Gandhi’s personal preference for the limelight.

Insiders within the Congress itself have indicated that the party is closely eyeing the outcomes of the ongoing assembly elections, with the intention of positioning the Congress as the linchpin of the opposition alliance. The concern is that this strategy may push the Congress to insist on framing the entire narrative as a showdown between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. Such a narrative could prove to be a significant limitation for the opposition alliance.

The author teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata, and he is a political columnist. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.

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