How long can the INDI Alliance pursue its political goals in the present fashion? True, having the choral support of alliance constituents in the Lok and Rajya Sabhas has helped Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to project his point of view on various subjects, but it has not made a substantial impact. In fact, the response from the ruling combine has been pointed and strong. Instead of ideas, the give and take has been about individuals. However, as the ongoing session of Parliament proceeds, the histrionics is taking a backseat to more considered discussions on a range of subjects, specifically related to the Budget. Members, who otherwise get overlooked in the shouting matches, are beginning to be noticed for their ideas and arguments.
Can all these individuals and disparate parties continue to function under the eccentric umbrella of the opposition front bench that seems obsessed with promoting the formula that won an increased number of seats in the last general election? Will this ideological solidarity stand the test of the approaching by-elections and, more importantly, assembly elections? Will parties be willing to surrender space in states where they have significant ambitions? It may be noted how the Congress has been, more or less, wiped out in West Bengal because of conceding to the TMC. Also, in UP, adopting the caste-based formula that is the Samajwadi Party’s forte will very likely lead to erosion of support in the long run.
As for the other partners in the alliance, particularly those with traction in just single states, promoting the Congress as the national alternative could prove suicidal. Is it possible to integrate ideologies, such as that of the Shiv Sena, with the Congress? Can the desire for power, even in the short term, overcome long term interests?
Fortunately for all, there are a number of electoral tests in the offing before the next big opportunity some five years from now. There is no doubt that the BJP will be planning to exploit the fissures in the combine, constituency by constituency and state by state. It will be for the voters to choose if they want a polarised national polity, or diverse expression of the many talents that are visible in Parliament at the present. In the larger perspective, the process would be accentuated if the parliamentary and assembly sessions were extended and held more often. That would help bring forth new leaders and break the grip of dynasts over parties, thereby improving the quality of politics.
