- As you are aware, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance continues to remain firmly perched on top of the political landscape overriding whatever minuscule semblance of the fight put up by the opposition parties. Nothing can be better illustrated than the recent constitutional elections for the post of President and Vice-President. That both the nominees of the NDA scampered home quite comfortably without breaking into a sweat amply demonstrates the BJP’s strength, deft manoeuvring, and skillful disposition in both houses of the Parliament. Most worryingly for the Indian democracy, the dithering among the opposition ranks and their failure to cohesively project unity to take on the might of the NDA was evident during these elections.
PC: Wikipedia
- The political undercurrents and the compulsions were even more visible during the Vice-Presidential elections as neutral regional parties had more reason to vote for Dhankar despite BJP being a local competitor than for dispirited opposition parties. Of course, the national governing party always has an edge in pocketing votes from parties not exactly aligned with it in President and VP elections. Moreover, with no political significance to these two posts, regional parties correctly recognize that an opposing vote isn’t worth the trouble of antagonizing the Centre. Did someone say pragmatic and realpolitik necessitates such extension of support? Indeed, it is the case as the Centre controls the purse strings vis-à-vis grants under various central schemes.
- Conversely, the monsoon session’s near washout should set the BJP think tank contemplating policy matters. Undeniably, governing parties will always encounter dissent in legislatures. As such, legislation, protest, debate, and scrutiny go hand-in-hand in parliamentary politics. Thus, the presiding officers of both Houses should invest time and energy to assess how these are running presently. Summary suspensions of protesting MPs are clearly not helping reduce disruptions. Needless to mention, extending an even-handed approach by presiding officers by giving more space to matters like debates is necessary. Mind you, in-depth debates on burning issues like inflation, jobs, China, Agnipath, and public finances can help in sound policy formulation.
PC: Dr. Norman Loayza, Dr. Daniel Lederman, and Dr. Rodrigo Soares
- Unfortunately, consistent disruptions rather than debates are witnessed in Parliament. The opposition from now on should be concentrating on formulating strategies as the 2024 general elections are less than 20 months away. The fact of the matter is there is no sign of united opposition challenges to counter the BJP which seems to be gaining strength by the day. Several opposition leaders nursing the ambition to be the spearhead to take on the BJP have only ensured anti-BJP parties pulling in different directions. The weakened Congress is gradually losing traction and heft around the country is not helping the cause either. Disunity in opposition ranks augurs well for the BJP which seems to be on course to return to power in the ensuing general elections.
