Future of I.N.D.I.A bloc-Read

The only option before the Congress is to let allies play their roles in strengthening the alliance

By Dr Thirunahari Seshu

In the Indian political scenario, right from the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP not only became a strong political force but also enjoyed undisputed electoral success. To counter the hegemony of the saffron party, the I.N.D.I Alliance (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) of 28 parties was formed at the initiative of Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2023 ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The I.N.D.I.A bloc has emerged as a strong political alternative at the national level with the coming together of regional parties, who are either in power (like DMK, AITMC, JMM, AAP) or have a significant influence in their respective States (like SP, Shiv Sena(UBT), RJD, NCP(SCP)).

Though the exit of Nitish Kumar and his JD(U) from the alliance came as a jolt to the bloc, the performance of the alliance partners in the recent Lok Sabha elections exceeded the expectations of analysts. However, the results would have been much better if the parties in the alliance in States like West Bengal, Bihar and Delhi had worked in coordination.

Consecutive Defeats
The Indian National Congress failed to maintain its good electoral run and lacked coordination in the recent Assembly elections. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept the Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana. The victory of the National Conference in Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in Jharkhand was the only solace. If the defeat of the Congress in Haryana, ignoring its ally Aam Aadmi Party, was self-inflicted, its failure to coordinate with the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra was clearly visible. The results, especially in Maharashtra and Haryana, once again proved to be a setback to the Congress’ identity as a leader.

The Congress overestimated its strengths and contested in more seats, depriving the alliance partners of key segments where the latter could have shown their influence. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is ready to lead the alliance. There is a general feeling among the alliance partners now is that the Congress should step down from the leadership responsibilities.

Stronger Alternative
Being the largest party in the alliance, the Congress considers its right to qualify for the leadership position. However, the party can emerge as a stronger alternative to the BJP only if it strengthens itself and add to the strength of the alliance partners. The Congress was in power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh but the BJP usurped these States, thereby decreasing the Congress’ influence in the Hindi heartland.

The Congress must coordinate with equity rather than pushing its own agenda onto its partners

The Congress leadership, strategists and national president Mallikarjun Kharge will have to focus on strengthening the party. As the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi will have to take the failures of the government and its schemes to the people rather than indulging in mere personal attacks on the Prime Minister. If the Congress hands over the leadership to the likes of Mamata Banerjee, who has emerged as a strong leader in the alliance, the I.N.D.I.A bloc can emerge as a strong alternative to the BJP in national politics. The Congress downplayed its alliance partners by not considering their input. If a neutral party other than the Congress were to take the leadership post of the bloc, there is also the possibility of parties like BRS, YSRCP, BJD and MIM joining the alliance which in turn will increase the strength of I.N.D.I Alliance.

Will Banerjee lead?
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared she is ready to lead the bloc. The likes of Akhilesh Yadav, Sharad Pawar and Lalu Prasad Yadav have expressed the view that it would be better if Mamata Banerjee led the alliance. Mamata Banerjee is not only a woman Chief Minister but has also effectively countered the rise of the BJP in her State. In the recent bypolls, the TMC swept all the seats denying BJP any chance. A powerful leader like her can be a strong leader who can lead the alliance in a coordinated manner.

Staying Relevant
When the National Front was formed, NT Rama Rao was the chairman and leaders like VP Singh were chosen as convenor. But the I.N.D.I.A bloc in the hands of the Congress did not even try to make relevant positions for members of the alliance. The Congress must choose a convener from among its allies with relevant political experience. However, it has not yet chosen.

The Samajwadi Party already pulled out of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced it will contest the Delhi Assembly elections on its own. This clearly shows a lack of unity and distress among the bloc.

Since 1984, has the Congress not won the majority needed to form a government at the Centre, the only option before it is to consolidate itself and strengthen the bloc. Without the support of allies, the Congress will not be able to defeat the BJP. The grand old party must realise that it should coordinate with equity rather than pushing its own agenda onto its partners to influence the politics of the country.

(The author is Assistant Professor, Kakatiya University)