Unable to find any significant issues or develop a cohesive strategy against the government, the opposition failed to capitalize on its potential.
NEW DELHI: The BJP’s political strategy and moves have left the opposition unable to grasp the full picture. The two key figures of the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, often referred to as ‘Chanakya,’ demonstrated their tactical brilliance during the budget session of Parliament. Throughout the session, the opposition, including the Congress, was caught off guard by the government’s well-planned maneuvers. From the start to the conclusion of the session, the government controlled the entire narrative, effectively trapping the opposition by using its own tactics.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to force the scattered opposition into a political trap, making them focus on issues related to Muslim appeasement. This is a calculated move because; the more the opposition focuses on such issues, the stronger the BJP’s agenda of polarization becomes. This strategy has only helped strengthen the BJP’s position in the political landscape. Post-session, opposition parties, are now gearing up for protests. Despite this, Congress seems unable to shed its attraction to appeasement politics. The statements from Congress leaders on the Waqf Bill show that they have not fully comprehended the government’s strategy.
The government could have introduced the Waqf Bill in the second session of Parliament, but it strategically chose the timing that best suited its interests. With elections scheduled in key states like Bihar this year and in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Bengal next year, where the BJP has limited power, the party is positioning itself to make gains. The introduction of the new Waqf Board could potentially alter the political dynamics in these states. By bringing the Waqf Board issue to the forefront, the BJP aims to sharpen its Hindutva narrative, which will play a crucial role in its electoral strategy.
The political acumen of Prime Minister Modi’s strategists and floor managers is evident. They successfully steered the country’s politics in the direction they wanted while also getting approval for the imposition of ‘President’s Rule’ in Manipur.
Meanwhile, Congress has been left scrambling. In the Rajya Sabha, the government’s floor managers delivered a significant blow to the opposition by influencing the Biju Janata Dal’s stance. Congress has accused the BJP of using pressure tactics, but the reality is that the Congress managers were outplayed. They were unable to anticipate the government’s moves or mount an effective protest.