The dispersion of the INDIA alliance across seven states has heightened the challenges for the Congress party. Does the pursuit of self-interest jeopardize the unity of the opposition?
New Delhi : The Lok Sabha elections are approaching, and Rahul Gandhi from the Congress is currently engaged in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. However, the INDIA alliance faces challenges as seat-sharing issues are causing a strain, with regional parties showing less interest in the Congress. Notably, Nitish Kumar and Mamata Banerjee are distancing themselves from the opposition alliance INDIA. Despite its impressive on-paper presence, the INDIA alliance appears to be in disarray on the ground. Let’s explore the perspectives of the constituent parties within the opposition alliance.
Akhilesh Yadav restricted Congress to a limit
In Uttar Pradesh, the opposition alliance INDIA is facing challenges. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav unilaterally declared an alliance with Congress on 11 seats through social media, causing internal discontent within the state unit of Congress. Dissatisfaction arises from the allocation of seats. BSP chief Mayawati has opted to contest elections independently, distancing herself from both NDA and the INDIA alliance. Consequently, the opposition’s plan to field a united candidate against BJP has encountered a setback in this scenario.
Seat distribution discussions with Hemant Soren are at a standstill
In Jharkhand, there is a tussle going on for seats between the major constituent parties of INDIA alliance, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress. Of the total 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Congress has staked claim on 10, while JMM has said that it is not ready to compromise on less than seven seats. Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and Left have also staked claim on two whistles each. At present there does not seem to be any consensus among these parties regarding seats.
In Bengal, Mamata Banerjee has already raised the slogan of Ekla Chalo Re
Doubts persist about the continuity of the INDIA alliance. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also the leader of the Trinamool Congress Party, declared on Wednesday that she will independently contest the elections in Bengal. Despite Congress’ attempts to persuade her, Mamata remains unwilling to accede. According to sources, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has reportedly engaged in discussions with Mamata, who, however, remains tight-lipped. Mamata has proposed allocating two seats to Congress in Bengal, but Congress is pushing for a minimum of seven to ten seats in negotiations.
The alliance of Aam Aadmi Party and Congress is not coming to any conclusion
The alliance between India’s constituent parties, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, is encountering challenges in Punjab. The primary obstacle arises from the opposition within Punjab Congress to the decision of aligning with the Aam Aadmi Party. Punjab Congress leaders express concerns that forging an alliance with the ruling AAP could jeopardize their grassroots support. The intricate regional politics of Punjab further complicates matters, with Congress holding the opposition status in the Assembly, while the Aam Aadmi Party forms the government. Notably, over two dozen Congress leaders face corruption charges, and about a dozen have been incarcerated.
Punjab Pradesh Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also faces corruption charges. At the grassroots level, there is resentment among Congress workers towards the AAP government, due to which they are opposing the alliance. Initially, Chief Minister Bhagwat Mann appeared inclined towards an alliance, but he has now declared against forming any alliance with Congress. Currently, the situation in Punjab indicates that both the Congress and AAP parties will be independently contesting the elections.
Nitish has already made his move in Bihar
On Sunday, Nitish Kumar, the mastermind behind the INDIA alliance, parted ways from the coalition, dealing a significant blow to opposition unity. Despite this setback, the Grand Alliance remains intact at the grassroots level in Bihar. The sole political event of note is Nitish Kumar’s involvement with and subsequent separation from the Grand Alliance. Prior to this, Nitish had not faced a trial of strength by participating in the Lok Sabha elections through the Grand Alliance. With the altered political dynamics in Bihar, there will be a reconsideration of seat distribution within the Grand Alliance.
Previously, JDU offered its grand alliance partners the choice of 23 seats, aiming to contest on 17 of them, with RJD overseeing the allocation of the remaining 23 seats. Now, particularly after JDU’s exit from the Grand Alliance, seat distribution faces fewer obstacles. However, JDU’s departure has heightened doubts among the public regarding the unity of the INDIA alliance, impacting the upcoming elections.
Tones are currently unavailable even in Haryana
Before the formation of the INDIA alliance nationwide against BJP, anti-BJP parties in Haryana attempted to create a third front at the state level, involving Congress. These were individuals and parties that had faced complete rejection from the state’s residents. Despite their ambitions for the Chief Minister’s position, the formation of a second or third front in the state has not materialized to date. The same situation is at the national level, there’s a significant conflict between Congress and Aam Aadmi Party regarding the allocation of 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Congress is steadfast in its refusal to allocate any Lok Sabha seat to Aam Aadmi Party under any circumstances.
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