In what bodes ill for the Congress, the I.N.D.I.A constituents are now apprehensive that their association with the grand old party, which suffered a humiliating defeat in three Hindi heartland states, might harm their political and electoral prospects in future. With this in view, the meeting of the opposition alliance scheduled for Tuesday (December 19) assumes significance.
In this meeting, the picture on constituents’ approach towards Congress after its heavy loss in MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh will be clear. The meeting will also give a clear idea about the future of the I.N.D.I.A bloc. Indications are that constituents including DMK and Sharad Pawar’s NCP are worried about their future if they continue in alliance with the Congress.
However, no party is putting anything on record. But they are all anxious after the drubbing of the Congress in three major states of Hindi heartland. Definitely, the base of the grand old party has been weakened further in the Hindi belt. The reports coming from Karnataka and Telangana where Congress is in power are also not good.
These states are witnessing internal tussle in Congress for Chief Ministerial post. In Tamil Nadu, Congress is fully dependent on DMK. But the controversial statements being made by DMK leaders are hurting the Congress politically. DMK leaders’ statement on “Sanatan” has harmed Congress considerably in MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
BJP grabbed this issue to polarise the voters in these states. It is certain that BJP will build a strong narrative around “nationalism” (rashtravad) and “Hindutva” during the Lok Sabha elections. The issue of nationalism has already gained a big push in the wake of the Supreme Court verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP will also make dynastic politics a big poll issue. Once Ram Mandir is opened to the public on 22 January, BJP’s politics around Lord Ram will gain a huge momentum. These are highly sensitive issues with a polarisation appeal over which serious differences might crop up among the opposition constituents.
If Congress gets vocal on these issues, it will invite trouble. Alliance constituents such as PDP and NCP are still opposing abrogation of Article 370. Congress’ alliance with such parties will be counterproductive for it. At the same time, DMK will continue to be vocal with adverse comments on Sanatan dharma for its political gains in Tamil Nadu.
Issues such as Ram Mandir and abrogation of Article 370 might upset Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) calculations in Maharashtra. There might be tension among the constituents of MVA such as Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Thackeray. The development does not also augur well for JDU leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who has been instrumental in forming the I.N.D.I.A group.
BJP’s huge victory in three states of Hindi heartland has reaffirmed PM Modi’s image as the most popular leader. Nitish might be feeling uncomfortable, with the Hindutva discourse dominating the political narrative in the country. It is unlikely that TMC, SP and AAP will continue to be in the alliance. All three parties see Congress as their main rival in their respective states.
TMC does not see any benefit with the Congress on board in Bengal. Rather, its alliance with Congress will antagonise the BJP. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav is also not getting along well with Congress in Uttar Pradesh. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal is busy fighting to save his position amid serious corruption charges in the alleged liquor scam. So, it will be interesting to see how the I.N.D.I.A bloc chooses its future path.