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Description automatically generatedLast week, as the political battle for Delhi heated up, significant tensions within the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) became glaringly evident, raising doubts about the future of the Opposition coalition. Originally formed to challenge the Narendra Modi-led BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, INDIA’s unity appeared to be fraying under pressure, particularly among key regional parties.

The primary objective of forming the INDIA alliance was to counter the BJP-led NDA, which many in the opposition argue undermines the federal structure that the Indian Constitution was built upon. Key opposition figures such as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Jammu and Kashmir’s Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar, and Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray, have been vocal critics of the Congress Party. Their criticism intensified after Congress’s poor showings in the Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024, which left the party in a vulnerable position in Delhi.

Notably, many of these opposition parties have had past alliances with the BJP, either sharing power with the saffron party or joining coalitions opposed to Congress. With the BJP controlling the central government and many state governments, these regional parties often find themselves at odds with the ruling establishment, which some accuse of using coercive tactics to suppress opposition. As a result, the opposition parties are locked in a struggle for political survival, trying to assert their relevance in the face of a well-funded and politically dominant BJP machine.

 

Column at a Glance
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is facing internal contradictions as it prepares for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against the ruling BJP. Formed to counter the BJP's perceived undermining of federalism, the alliance includes regional parties like the Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party, which have historically been in opposition to Congress.
Wednesday Wisdom
By Satish Misra
Despite their shared goal of defeating the BJP, these parties are often engaged in their own political survival, complicating their collaboration. The article highlights the need for ideological clarity and realistic ambitions among alliance members to effectively challenge the BJP's dominance. While recent media narratives suggest disarray within the alliance, key leaders affirm that the INDIA block remains intact, albeit inactive, as regional electoral battles continue.

 

For any alliance to remain effective and united, it must have a clear, shared objective and leaders who manage their ambitions. The opposition coalition must prioritize the common goal of countering the BJP’s rise rather than letting internal power struggles distract from this mission. In other words, political realism is crucial; parties must be honest about their capabilities and avoid overreaching.

Furthermore, there must be ideological coherence among the opposition parties. A clear stance against the BJP’s Hindutva agenda and its attempts to weaken the Indian Constitution is essential if they are to effectively counter the ruling party. However, there is a widespread concern that many opposition parties are not entirely committed to this cause. The BJP’s use of executive powers, particularly its influence over investigative agencies, to target opposition leaders and critics has created a chilling effect. Despite this common threat, many opposition leaders focus more on criticizing Congress rather than forging a united front against the BJP.

This tendency to target Congress, while perhaps politically convenient, has led to further divisions within the opposition. Political leaders are often quick to speak without thinking, as evidenced by recent remarks that seemed to indicate the collapse of the INDIA alliance. Many in the media, influenced by political power dynamics, seized upon these statements to predict the disintegration of the opposition bloc. However, the alliance has not fallen apart. Key figures like Akhilesh Yadav and Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut have since clarified that while there may be regional battles, the national alliance remains intact.

In conclusion, while the INDIA alliance faces significant challenges, it is far from disbanding. Despite the regional squabbles and personal ambitions at play, the opposition coalition is still holding together, albeit in a somewhat dormant state. As electoral contests are fought at the regional level, the larger objective of unseating the BJP in 2024 remains a work in progress. The road ahead may be difficult, but the opposition’s survival hinges on its ability to reconcile differences and focus on the common goal of defeating the ruling party.

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