In a panel discussion led by Priya Sahgal, Congress spokesperson Alok Sharma and journalist Rasheed Kidwai delved into the strategic landscape of India’s Opposition, focusing on the potential of the INDI Alliance to unify diverse political factions. The conversation illuminated both the challenges and prospects facing the Congress Party and its allies as they navigate the complexities of the Indian political arena.
Congress’s Pivotal Role in Opposition
Alok Sharma, a Congress spokesperson, underscored the Congress Party’s significant role in opposing the central government over the past decade. He said, “The Congress Party has played a key role in Opposition for 10 years. Starting from 2014 when the land acquisition bill came about to whether it is demonetization or covid or pulwama and also including the current budget, if someone has played the role of Opposition it is the Congress party.”
Sharma highlighted Congress’s leadership in challenging a range of policies from the controversial land acquisition bill to demonetization, and from the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to the Pulwama attack. He argued that Congress has been a crucial force in the Opposition, even as it faces the daunting task of maintaining cohesion among diverse political allies.
Sharma emphasized that it is not solely Congress’s responsibility to ensure unity within the Opposition. Other parties must also make concerted efforts to collaborate.
He pointed out that recent experiences, such as the treatment of Mamata Banerjee at a NITI Aayog meeting, serve as a stark reminder of the central government’s authoritarian tendencies. Sharma suggested that the electorate has grown increasingly aware of these dynamics and that the real opposition’s effectiveness will be crucial in the upcoming political battles.
He said, “Three days ago when Mamataji (Mamata Banerjee) went to a NITI Aayog meeting and the treatment she received should be a lesson for Opposition parties that there is a dictatorship at the Centre. While it was already there before for ten years but if they are still behaving like a dictator then who will pick up matters of national interest. The people of this country think – Whichever party we talk about whether it is Naveen Patnaik or Behen Mayawati or Jaganji or Akali Dal, whichever of them were supportive of BJP, whichever party while remaining in the opposition were in the laps of BJP, BJP ended them all. And more than BJP it were the people who finished them. The People will decide who is the real opposition.”
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Congress’s Leadership and Coordination Challenges
Priya Sahgal posed a critical question: Given Congress’s status as the largest national party, can it effectively gather support from other parties within the INDI Alliance? She noted existing tensions between Congress and key leaders like Jagan Reddy, questioning Congress’s ability to unify various factions.
Rasheed Kidwai offered a candid assessment of the Opposition’s current state. He acknowledged Sharma’s points but stated, “Whatever Alok Sharma has said is right and I personally respect him but the story of Opposition is half or unfinished. They have a lot of vigour and zeal but on-ground the things which are important Priyaji, the lack of it is clearly visible.”
He added, “Many people in Congress think that since I and Priya Sahgal are seeing and analyzing Congress party as a journalist, their thought process is that the result of 2024 is a ‘Congress Story’. Congress thinks that it can regain their previous status of being bigger than BJP in the country. This is the 2-inch difference between them and BJP.”
Kidwai highlighted that the INDI Alliance, despite being a significant political entity on paper, lacks a physical office or a clear leadership structure. This absence of tangible organization undermines the alliance’s effectiveness and unity.
“For example, if I ask you (to the audience) where is the Office of I.N.D.I.A. Alliance, none of you could answer me correctly. The reason for that is it doesn’t exist. Neither it is in Delhi nor it is elsewhere in the country. I.N.D.I.A. Alliance is just on paper, it’s entity just exists in the mind.”
Kidwai also suggested that Congress’s self-perception as the dominant force in the Opposition could be a hindrance. He pointed out that Congress’s attitude of expecting dominance, encapsulated in the notion “Hamare baap dada ne ghee khaya tha, hamari hatheli soakh lo,” might alienate potential allies. Kidwai argued that this approach could hinder the formation of a cohesive opposition.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Congress and the INDI Alliance
Sharma countered Kidwai’s critique by asserting that Congress acts as a “cementing force” within the Opposition. He emphasized that despite challenges, Congress plays a key role in bringing together diverse allies. Sharma compared the INDI Alliance’s efforts with those of the NDA, noting that while the NDA had not held significant meetings post-elections, the INDI Alliance had been proactive in addressing key issues.
Sharma expressed optimism about the Opposition’s ability to effect change. He suggested that the recent debates over issues like NEET and other significant matters demonstrate a growing accountability and transparency. Sharma advocated for the formation of a Shadow Cabinet to provide structured leadership and address critical national issues more effectively.
Journalist Rasheed Kidwai on Congress’ successes & failures:
‘The Leader of the Opposition is often seen as a shadow PM candidate, as in Britain. If Rahul Gandhi managed all the country’s issues through MPs, it could lead to significant changes,’ says Rasheed Kidwai… pic.twitter.com/00vKnIJaB0— NewsX World (@NewsX) July 29, 2024
Conclusion
The discussion highlighted the intricate dynamics of the Indian political landscape. Congress, while central to the Opposition, faces both internal and external challenges in uniting diverse factions. The effectiveness of the INDI Alliance and Congress’s ability to navigate these complexities will be pivotal in shaping the future political environment.
As the Opposition gears up for upcoming state elections and broader national challenges, the need for a more organized and accountable approach becomes increasingly apparent. The evolution of the Opposition’s strategy and its ability to address pressing issues will determine its success in countering the ruling party’s dominance.
The political stage is set for a transformative period, with the potential for significant shifts in power and strategy as India approaches its next electoral milestones.
India News Manch 2024
Recently, the ITV Network hosted a forum at Le Meridien Hotel in Connaught Place, New Delhi, focusing on India’s most pressing issues. The event brought together a range of union ministers and opposition leaders to engage in detailed discussions about ongoing national challenges.
