- The political narrative in the country will witness tremendous traction in the coming months as every party worth its salt will be gearing up to face the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in May 2024. Looking from any angle, the ruling dispensation at the Centre Bharatiya Janata Party appears firmly ensconced to return to power for the third successive time. Unless something dramatic occurrence happens in the interim that will completely alter the citizens’ perspective about the Narendra Modi dispensation, the BJP-led NDA looks set on a strong wicket. As you are aware, there are no permanent enemies or friends in politics, so permutations and combinations would change with new partners joining hands by ditching old partners. Inevitable, you see.
PC: PTI
- Some would ask what is so new about the phenomenon which is on display throughout. However, one aspect of the Indian political narrative will never change: the two national parties viz. the BJP and Congress will continue to be the principal opponents with several other parties lining up to prop each side. Indeed, the secular versus communal narrative has vertically divided the political community in the country. Of course, many strong regional outfits have also carved out a niche for themselves and would not wish to cede any ground to either of the two national parties. Mind you, regional parties like the TMC, AAP, BRS, and Biju Janata Dal have emerged stronger largely at the cost of the Grand Old Party.
- Did someone mention what will happen to political ideologies? What is it anyway? Survival at any cost is the mantra and to ensure the same, political parties will not mind switching allegiance if it benefits them. We know how the recent efforts at opposition unity suffered a jolt when Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP wanted Congress to back it to defeat the services ordinance brought by the BJP. Congress was non-committal. The biggest jolt to the opposition effort came in the form of the split in the Nationalist Congress Party of Sharad Pawar. Ajit Pawar’s revolt against his uncle has cast a shadow over the disparate parties’ move to take on the might of the BJP. Maharashtra’s unfolding political drama is only going to help the BJP’s Lok Sabha prospects big time.
PC: ANI
- The breakaway NCP’s Praful Patel made an interesting observation while mentioning the first opposition unity meeting held in Patna recently. He mentioned that out of 17 parties gathered, 7 had 1 MP to represent, and 1 had no MP to show. He derisively said that the political leaders gathered had nothing substantial to deliberate other than have lunch and make a quiet exit. It’s a telling comment signifying how challenging it is to take on the mighty election machinery of the BJP in the ensuing elections. On top of it, Congress’ disposition after the success in Karnataka conveys that it has already won the general election by appearing to position as the first amongst the equals. The BJP is not complaining, though. Interesting times ahead.
