Expulsion of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabhaafter a competitor Result of defamation suit against him in a Gujarat courthas been made A new rallying point for the opposition, at least for the moment. Despite all the technical arguments, his disqualification is seen by most opposition parties as a political move by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Regional parties constantly adjust their relations with the two national parties, the BJP and the Congress. From the vantage points of many regional organisations, these two parties are not necessarily two polar opposites. As a general rule, regional parties seek to expand their influence and power through fluctuating relationships with national parties, even if they are technically similar to the two. The party in power in Delhi has considerable leverage, and regional parties are often vulnerable to pressure. In recent years, central agencies (the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation) have cornered opposition leaders, and have been either aggressive or passive on matters as per the BJP’s convenience. While these facts were clear, regional leaders have been wary of taking on the BJP, and have often broken with the rest. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), for example, did not conform to the Congress-led strategy against the BJP over the Adani dispute.
Mr Gandhi’s ouster has emboldened the TMC, the Aam Aadmi Party, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Samajwadi Party, which are usually wary of the Congress. to condemn the action and term it dictatorial, These parties probably realize that mutual rivalry and fear of BJP and central agencies could lead them to marginalization or worse, on the receiving end of more retaliation. Of these, 14 parties have now approached the Supreme Court against the misuse of central agencies. The petitioners say they represent 42% of the electorate, and 95% of cases filed by agencies are against opposition leaders. This is a move for self-preservation, and these parties are still far from having a joint approach on many important national issues. At the center of the tussle between the BJP and the Congress are questions related to the Adani group of companies, which have been accused of questionable ownership patterns and business dealings. The BJP and the Center have so far shied away from these questions. While opposition parties such as the Biju Janata Dal in Odisha and the Yuvajana Shramik Rythu Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh continue to stay aloof, it is notable that other opposition leaders have come out against Mr. Gandhi’s eviction. Nevertheless, a strong opposition to the BJP is still in progress. It is fitting for the BJP to keep the focus on Mr. Gandhi, not Mr. Adani.
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