The contradictions within the INDI Alliance are coming to the fore with a vengeance. Its unity and purpose were seriously challenged in the Haryana and Maharashtra elections and now, in the run up to the Delhi polls, no punches are being pulled. There are those who contend that the coalition is only at the national level with the purpose of bringing down the BJP led NDA. Others want the bonhomie to extend to the state level, with locally dominant parties conceding space to allies to strengthen and deepen the alliance. While the first makes sense, the latter is largely wishful thinking.
Surely, if the BJP is not to be allowed to establish a monopoly at the national level, other parties cannot desire the same at the state level. If there is an alliance for a larger cause, there has to be give and take even if it hurts somewhat. But leaders are insecure, and trust is lacking. So it is that AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal is unwilling to concede space to the once dominant party in Delhi, the Congress. This has led to much bitterness and the very existence of the alliance is in jeopardy. Parties with hardly any stake in Delhi, such as the Samajwadi Party, TMC, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar’s NC are scoring points by backing AAP, knowing fully well they have nothing to lose. However, another defeat for the Congress would almost wipe it out in Delhi. It is easy to arrive at an understanding on sharing seats where the BJP is in power, because it benefits the alliance, such as in UP, where SP and Congress joined hands. But in one’s home ground, it is felt unnecessary. The TMC does not compromise in West Bengal, no matter how large the stakes are at the national level.
The BJP can take advantage of this situation while it has the opportunity. The parties in power at the state level would benefit more from having a good relationship with the Centre. J&K CM Omar Abdullah seems to be adopting this approach. A few concessions his way would gain BJP an important ally. The Congress too must consider whether it has benefited, overall, from the alliance. Should it not go it alone if it wishes to promote Rahul Gandhi as the national alternative to PM Modi? Even in UP, for instance, if there is even a hint of Muslims and Yadavs shifting towards Congress, the SP will pull the plug. As Omar says, perhaps the alliance’s days are over.
