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Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 9:14 am

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 9:14 am

INDIA Bloc’s Leadership Crisis: A Growing Challenge for the Opposition

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The INDIA bloc, formed to challenge the BJP’s dominance, is grappling with internal differences and a lack of clear leadership. Recent calls to appoint Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress chief, as the leader of the alliance highlight the growing discontent among coalition partners with the Congress’ current role.

Key allies, including the Samajwadi Party, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, and the RJD, have all voiced their preference for a decisive and dynamic leader like Mamata Banerjee to head the Opposition coalition. Even Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, who fought the Jammu and Kashmir elections alongside Congress, has urged the Grand Old Party to prove its leadership with a clear and effective strategy.

Adding to the turmoil, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its decision to contest the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections independently, severing ties with Congress, its ally during the Lok Sabha elections in the capital. This move signals a widening rift within the alliance, exacerbated by a lack of consensus and trust.

Growing Frustrations with Congress Leadership

Despite being the largest party in the INDIA bloc with 99 Lok Sabha seats, Congress is increasingly finding itself sidelined. Questions about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership potential have intensified, particularly following Congress’ defeats in key states like Haryana and Maharashtra. The party’s allies, including the Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress, have started distancing themselves, expressing doubts about Congress’ ability to lead the Opposition effectively.

In the ongoing Parliament session, Congress’ insistence on prioritizing the Adani bribery case and demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe led to frequent disruptions, irritating its allies. They wanted to address pressing issues such as the Sambhal communal violence, the political turmoil in Bangladesh, and the lingering Manipur crisis. Eventually, Congress gave in to its partners’ pressure to allow parliamentary proceedings to resume.

The only point of consensus among the INDIA bloc members has been their united move to seek the impeachment of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar, accusing him of partisan conduct. Beyond this, disagreements over strategy and leadership persist, undermining the alliance’s unity.

BJP’s Advantage and Congress’ Missteps

The leadership vacuum within the INDIA bloc has played into the BJP’s hands. Fresh off its victories in Maharashtra, the BJP has seized on Congress’ weaknesses, portraying the party as destabilizing the nation through alleged associations with figures like George Soros. This narrative has effectively shifted attention away from the Adani bribery allegations, a significant issue that warrants debate.

Congress’ own strategy appears flawed, contributing to its current struggles. Its focus on soft Hindutva and caste-based census, instead of addressing critical issues like inflation, unemployment, and rural distress, has alienated key sections of voters. While the party succeeded in puncturing the BJP’s “400 paar” narrative during the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP rebounded quickly with targeted welfare programs and women-centric schemes, regaining ground in crucial states.

Leadership Dilemma: Who Should Lead?

The pressing question for the INDIA bloc is whether Congress will cede leadership to Mamata Banerjee or another regional leader. While Mamata and Akhilesh Yadav (SP) are influential regional players, they lack the pan-India presence required to counter the BJP-RSS machinery effectively. Despite its recent setbacks, Congress remains the most viable choice to lead the Opposition, given its national footprint and organizational strength.

However, to reclaim its leadership role within the alliance, Congress must address its weaknesses. A complete overhaul of its organizational structure, strategy, and grassroots presence is critical. The party must prioritize the issues that resonate with voters—rising prices, unemployment, and economic disparities—over divisive or symbolic politics.

A Path Forward for the INDIA Bloc

The INDIA bloc faces a crucial moment. To present a united and credible alternative to the BJP, the coalition must overcome its internal fractures and rally behind a common leader and strategy. The Congress, as the largest party, must take responsibility, demonstrate accountability, and rebuild trust with its allies. At the same time, regional players like the Trinamool Congress and SP must recognize the need for unity over individual ambitions.

Only through collective effort, clear leadership, and a focus on the real issues affecting citizens can the INDIA bloc hope to challenge the BJP’s dominance. Time is running out, and the Opposition must act decisively to restore confidence among its allies and voters.


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