Opposition Was Not In Full Strength At Karnataka Swearing-In. Key Challenge For Congress Is To Forge Cohesive Mahagathbandhan
The recent triumph of Congress in the Karnataka elections has provided the grand old party with an opportunity to reaffirm its position as an indispensable force in the opposition alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre. This victory has also bolstered their prospects for the upcoming 2024 general elections. The victory undoubtedly had a significant impact on the dynamics among the opposition parties, after it became increasingly evident that a shift in the positions of various regional political factions was imperative. Among these parties are the Aam Aadmi Party, spearheaded by Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool, the Congress, K. Chandrasekhar Rao's Bharat Rashtra Samithi, the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party, and several others.
However, the recent attempt by the Congress to showcase their efforts towards opposition unity was significantly marred by the turn of events at the swearing-in ceremony of the Karnataka Cabinet. The incident not only exposed the fault lines within the opposition but also shattered the illusion of their seamless coordination. The swearing-in ceremony saw the presence of approximately 17 non-BJP political parties. However, it was not missed that the Congress had refrained from reaching out to the AAP and the BRS. Other notable opposition leaders such as Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav were also absent. As the 2024 general election looms, it is becoming increasingly evident that the road ahead will be fraught with obstacles for the Congress. Foremost among them is the daunting task of forging a cohesive opposition front. The Karnataka election has provided the opposition with several valuable lessons to ponder over.
Breaking The Ice
It is imperative that Congress recognise the urgency of the situation and refrain from any further delay tactics. As the upcoming election season approaches, the party finds itself at a crossroads. It must make a strategic decision regarding its stance towards parties such as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the AAP. The stakes are high, and the party's decision could have significant implications for its future success. Undoubtedly, the Congress has been the target of attacks from these political parties in the past, and it's understandable for the Congress to harbour some discontent. There are indications that both the BRS and the AAP are considering the possibility of forming an opposition alliance, with even the Congress showing interest in this development.
According to sources, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has reportedly made a contact with Arvind Kejriwal following a discussion between the AAP national convener and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Interestingly, no mention of such outreach has been made by either Kejriwal or Congress.
In a swift response to the recent incident of Rahul Gandhi losing his MP seat, the Delhi CM wasted no time in expressing his disapproval of the Bharatiya Janata Party's action. It now falls upon the Congress to devise a strategic plan to breake the ice. Should this brand of politics persist, the opposition coalition will inevitably bear the brunt of the fallout, and the pervasive climate of suspicion will persist ad infinitum.
Wake-Up Call for Regional Parties
For any opposition alliance to materialise, it is imperative that both sides display a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. Without mutual interest and a shared commitment to compromise, any attempts at collaboration are bound to falter. As such, it is crucial that both parties approach the negotiation table with an open mind and a willingness to find common ground.
As the Congress mulls over its approach to thawing the political deadlock, the regional parties must also determine their true intentions vis-à-vis the Congress. Engaging in shadow boxing with the grand old party seems like a futile exercise, given that the 2024 general elections are less than a year away. The Karnataka win serves as a poignant reminder that despite the BJP's dominance, the Congress remains the preeminent political force with a formidable presence across multiple states.
With sincerity and deference, a victory in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh is within reach. It is crucial to acknowledge that the Congress is being hindered in state polls by opposition parties such as the TMC and the AAP, which are attempting to broaden their reach. Ultimately, they failed in their attempt to make inroads in Goa, Gujarat, Northeast and other states, and with the credibility of these parties compromised, the resulting distrust is palpable. As the political landscape in India continues to shift, the onus is on leaders such as Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, KCR, Arvind Kejriwal, and others to clarify their stance on the Congress and outline their expectations for its future course of action. The public eagerly awaits their candid response. It is imperative to have clear and open discussions regarding these expectations.
Mallikarjun Kharge's Role
Since the beginning, the Congress has been keen on taking a behind-the-scenes approach, positioning JDS leader and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar as the face of the opposition alliance. This strategy is both noteworthy and promising. The Karnataka election outcome has presented the Congress with a favourable opportunity to recognise their enhanced bargaining power in the political arena. As the largest stakeholder in the opposition, the Congress must take a proactive approach to the situation at hand. The significance of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's role cannot be overstated.
With his wealth of experience in politics, Kharge is undoubtedly a strong candidate to spearhead such negotiations. With Nitish Kumar having wrapped up his initial discussions with all opposition parties, it is now time for Kharge to step in and assume the mantle of leadership. The upcoming meeting between Kumar, Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi is poised to be a significant event, as it may shed light on Kharge's potential inclination towards assuming a more prominent role in forging the opposition alliance. Observers will be keenly attuned to the developments that transpire during this crucial rendezvous.
ALSO READ | Congress's Karnataka Win Shows Social Engineering Can Work, Could Be Key To 2024
More Crucial Issues Need To Be Decided
As the clock ticks, it becomes increasingly imperative for the opposition and political factions, Congress included, to acknowledge the pressing need to unite in a timely manner. Beyond the variables of individual interests, interpersonal conflicts, and aspirations, lie a number of pivotal matters that demand resolution. The Karnataka election has brought to light an important observation — a strategic emphasis on the social foundation of religious and caste minorities can yield positive results. Ultimately, the triumph of an opposition coalition hinges not only on the interplay between various political factions, but also on the shared fundamental concerns that unite them. In the current political climate, there is a notable emphasis among various parties on prioritising certain issues. As the frequency of such discussions increases, the alliance stands to gain greater benefits.
The ultimate fate of the opposition coalition rests on the strategic moves that the Congress chooses to make. It is undeniable that the Congress will hold the key to the alliance in 2024. The smoother the resolution process, the more effectively the opposition can operate. In the days ahead, all eyes will be on the opposition meetings and discussions to see how events unfold. The Congress win in Karnataka has undoubtedly raised the bar of expectations for opposition parties throughout the nation.
The author is a columnist and doctoral research scholar in Media & Politics.
Trending News
