Rumblings in INDIA

SIX months after its creditable performance in the Lok Sabha elections, the Opposition’s INDIA bloc finds itself at a crossroads. The alliance did well in the Jharkhand and J&K Assembly elections, but the stunning losses in Haryana and Maharashtra have laid bare differences among its constituents. The knives are out especially after the drubbing suffered by the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi at the hands of the BJP-helmed Mahayuti in Maharashtra. The grand old party’s poor show has dented its predominant position in INDIA, prompting Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to throw her hat into the ring. Dissatisfied with the bloc’s functioning, Mamata has signalled her intention to take charge of the alliance, if given the opportunity. She has found support from Nationalist Congress Party stalwart Sharad Pawar, who has called her a “prominent leader” of the nation.

It’s apparent that Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is losing ground as the face of INDIA. There are three Gandhis in Parliament now — with Priyanka being the latest entrant — but this dynastic milestone has not enthused the Congress’ allies. Though party president Mallikarjun Kharge is also the chairperson of the bloc, it is no secret that the Gandhi family is calling the shots. But this arrangement is strengthening neither the Congress nor INDIA.

The Congress has no option but to pay heed to its partners. Overconfidence cost it dear in Haryana, where it chose to give short shrift to fellow INDIA members. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena has not helped matters by hailing those who demolished the Babri Masjid, triggering a backlash from the Samajwadi Party, which has a sizeable Muslim vote bank in Uttar Pradesh. Mutual respect and accommodation must be the way forward if the bloc has to remain intact. Otherwise, this alliance might implode sooner or later, leaving the field open for the BJP and PM Modi.