New Delhi: The future of the Opposition INDIA bloc remains uncertain, especially after the Delhi election results raised fresh questions about its unity. Formed in 2023 with 26 parties, the alliance now faces significant challenges, particularly in the strained relationship between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The core issue is whether Rahul Gandhi’s primary focus is defeating Modi or reviving the Congress party. For Gandhi, securing allies in states like Bihar, UP, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu is crucial, as in these states, Congress faces significant competition, especially from regional parties like Mamata Banerjee’s TMC and Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party.
The alliance is under pressure, with the Congress and AAP having a blood feud in Delhi and Punjab. While Congress may manage to unite in some states, in others, like West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee has dismissed the idea of alliances, criticising Congress for its lack of power. Rahul Gandhi’s approach to these contradictions will play a significant role in shaping the bloc’s future, as his leadership could influence how Congress negotiates with other parties, particularly in states where it is a marginal force.
The INDIA bloc’s unity is not based on a common ideology but the shared goal of opposing the BJP. This has historically been the formula for alliances, with temporary unity emerging to counter dominant parties, but these coalitions have often been short-lived. As Congress seeks to assert itself in this context, the bloc’s survival depends on whether it can remain cohesive through 2029. How regional leaders like Tejashwi Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav align with Congress will be crucial. In the end, while India’s political coalitions have evolved, their success hinges on the dominant party—Congress, in this case—taking the lead.
In Episode 1605 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta & Political Editor D.K. Singh discuss the future of a fraught INDIA bloc in the aftermath of the Delhi elections.
Also read: CutTheClutter: Why turmoil in Manipur is far from over after chief minister Biren Singh’s exit
