Challenges and Prospects for Opposition Unity

So has the opposition caravan started rolling? What will be the form of this unity? In our experience, such opposition grand alliances do not always yield favorable results. Will there be different synergies in different states? In the midst of these contradictions, how can a common goal be achieved?

Nitish’s supporters believe he is qualified for a “national role” because he has not been accused of dynastic politics or corruption, in addition to having experience as chief minister of Bihar for the past 18 years, he has a He also has experience as a Union Minister. His image and acceptance can help smooth the path to unity. Stands taken by Gandhi and Kejriwal are the best examples.

Currently, 14 states are ruled by opposition parties. Sharad Pawar in Maharashtra is talking about unity, while Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal has not indicated whether she will join any such initiative. He recently tried to obstruct the way of Congress by fielding TMC candidates in Goa, Meghalaya and Tripura. Mamata wants the Congress and the Left parties to remain weak in Bengal and her party taking advantage of the polarization of votes to compete only with the BJP in the next elections.

Here the discussion of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is necessary. he is still repeating walk alone (walk alone). Will Nitish and Tejashwi Yadav be able to persuade them? Supporters of unity say it will be difficult for Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to keep the Muslim vote together as the minority’s attitude towards the Congress has changed since Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. In such a situation, he will have to match the tone of opposition unity in every situation. What will Mayawati do if Akhilesh Yadav and Congress unite in Uttar Pradesh?

Besides, there are doubts about two other chief ministers: Naveen Patnaik of Odisha and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh. The policy of these veterans has been to stay with whoever is in the center. Apart from this, Telangana’s K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who has declared war on both the Congress and the BJP. These three states collectively contribute 63 Lok Sabha seats.

There is also the issue of arrogance of big leaders. Kumar and Pawar seem to be speaking the same language. If Banerjee also joins this club tomorrow, then who will be the prime ministerial candidate? Who will be the convenor of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)? Sonia Gandhi has served as its convenor since its inception. He is ready to resign due to health concerns. Reports also suggest that Rahul Gandhi would not like to run for the Prime Minister. Will the three giants be able to reach an agreement despite the “sacrifice” of the Gandhi family?

Now coming to NDA, since there is no major party left in the alliance, the focus is only on BJP. The party led by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah has set a new electoral benchmark in Indian politics. They are adept at predicting the next move of the enemy. Consider Modi’s recent statement in Telangana. “Corrupt parties went to court so that their corruption files could not be opened, but there too they got a shock.” For fear of CBI and ED. His meaning is clear. Before any unity, the saffron party wants to project the opposition as a bunch of ruffians.

Rahul Gandhi keeps accusing the government of succumbing to Chinese aggression. In this context, Shah’s visit to Kibithu in Arunachal and spending the night there, ignoring China’s objections, was a symbolic gesture used to convey a positive message in politics.

To counter Modi’s charisma and the BJP’s electoral machine, proponents of opposition unity will undoubtedly need to find some concrete issues. According to some, the BJP got only 37.7% votes in the last general election. In such a situation, only the unity of non-BJP parties can give victory. Why do such people forget that elections are won not just by arithmetic but by the chemistry of affection and trust?

Shashi Shekhar is the editor-in-chief, India. Thoughts are personal.