- As you are aware, the opposition is desperate to band together to take on the mighty Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Keep in mind that the general elections are scheduled for April–May 2024. It is not a new phenomenon for disparate political parties to band together on a common platform to challenge the ruling regime at the Center. Several times in the past, the opposition has banded together to pose a significant challenge to the central government. However, every such experience has proven to be fleeting, demonstrating how difficult it is to forge unity among different political parties with opposing ideologies.
PC: PTI
- One such experiment is currently underway, with seventeen political parties opposing the BJP meeting in Patna at the invitation/initiative of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. According to reports, representatives from 17 opposition parties have decided to run together in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Make no mistake, it’s still early days, and future meetings where the modalities of a joint fight are discussed will show whether this idea can withstand the stress test. As previously stated, none of the previous experiments lasted long enough to present a formidable opposition force to the ruling regimes of the time. We’ll have to wait a while to see if the current experiment is successful.
- Patna, as a venue, has historical significance. Remember how it was the focal point of efforts to form a united opposition front to take on Congress, the hegemon of the time? Now, the other shoe is on the other foot, and Congress’ approach is critical to forming a united opposition front. Already, the AAP and Congress were at odds over the latter’s stance on the GOI’s recent ordinance, which overturned the Supreme Court’s decision on the Delhi government’s administrative powers. This fight is a preview of what’s to come because, as the only opposition party with a multistate presence, Congress must make difficult decisions about what it’s willing to give up. The real challenge for the opposition ranks is here.
PC: MAKTOOB STAFF
- As India’s electoral history shows, personal ambition can often outweigh ideological affinity or any other kind of loyalty, posing a challenge for both regional parties and the Congress. The BSP and some key regional players were notable absentees from the meeting. The BRS, BJD, and YSRCP are not only in power in their respective states but also have a strong showing in the LS elections. The going will be tough unless some of them join the opposition. Of course, LS is where the Modi factor enters the picture. A disjointed coalition without a coherent alternative plan will have no realistic chance of winning the election. From any perspective, the recent meeting is a baby step.
