I.N.D.I.A. On Manipur: For Once, Oppn Shows Decisive Unity, And A Clear Objective

AAP MP Sanjay Singh with Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition MPs during a protest at Parliament House complex amid the Monsoon session. MPs belonging to the Opposition's INDIA bloc dressed in black on July 27 as a mark of protest against the government over the Manipur issue.

Source : PTI

In a significant turn of events, the recent Bengaluru meeting of the ‘united’ opposition has undeniably disrupted the prevailing narrative of a lack of cohesion. With a resolute step forward, the coalition has now been named as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The choice of this name presents a bold and direct challenge to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, particularly in the realm of nationalism. Amid a myriad of pressing concerns, the distressing state of affairs in Manipur has thrust the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into a precarious predicament, exposing the abysmal shortcomings of both the state and central administrations.

In a remarkable display of unity and determination, the opposition has effectively rallied behind a no-confidence motion, aiming to compel Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the pressing matter of Manipur. However, it is quite evident that the BJP's response to this unprecedented situation appears lacklustre, automated, and ill-equipped. In the midst of the Manipur crisis, a blame game has ensued, with ministers pointing fingers at none other than Rahul Gandhi. While some argue that the Congress leader is responsible for the turmoil, others from the BJP have chosen to highlight the alarming instances of atrocities against women in states such as Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.

A Narrative Boost

In a surprising turn of events, the opposition political parties have seemingly struck a chord with their latest move. By christening their alliance as ‘INDIA’, they have strategically attempted to seize the narrative of nationalism from the ruling BJP. This marks a significant departure from their previous endeavours, as they finally seem to have found a way to resonate with the masses. In the current political landscape, the opposition has adeptly forged a connection between various issues, such as the situation in Manipur, and the broader concept of India itself. By skillfully weaving these threads together, they have constructed a compelling narrative that portrays the BJP as lacking in respect for the nation. 

Ever since Narendra Modi became the prime minister of India, the opposition has found itself grappling with a significant loss in its narrative. In the realm of political discourse surrounding the nationalist movement in India, the Congress party found itself grappling with the challenge of constructing a compelling narrative to showcase its contributions. Regrettably, their efforts fell short, leaving them without a robust historical foundation to draw upon. Conversely, the regional political parties encountered a different predicament altogether, as their relatively brief existence limited their ability to delve into a rich and storied past. In the current scenario, the BJP has adeptly crafted a compelling narrative surrounding nationalism, skillfully portraying a historical account shaped by the perspectives of right-wing intellectuals and historians. In a perplexing display of political manoeuvring, the BJP has found itself caught between two contrasting approaches. On one hand, the party has unabashedly embraced its icons, such as Vir Savarkar, but on the other hand it has attempted to appropriate figures like the legendary Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. This duality in the party's stance raises questions about its true intentions and the underlying motivations behind such strategic moves. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections brought to the forefront the undeniable pillars of strength for the BJP, namely nationalism and Hindutva. 

The Manipur Issue

During the second term of the UPA government, when the India Against Corruption movement was confronting the Congress party-led alliance and the BJP was cornering the ruling regime, the fundamental premise was that corruption is comparable to the 2G scam, the common wealth scam, the coal scam, etc. During the reign of Narendra Modi, the opposition has unsuccessfully attempted to bring such scams to the attention of the public on multiple occasions, with the alleged Rafale scandal serving as the most prominent example. The opposition unsuccessfully attempted to make this issue a central election issue. 

However, the Manipur issue appears to have truly cornered the BJP. This premise has been effectively utilised by the united opposition to isolate the ruling party. The central government and the state government of Manipur, both led by the BJP, have utterly failed to assure the safety of the people. The horrifying act of two Kuki women being stripped naked and raped by a group of men in public, with the police remaining mute spectators, has shaken the public conscience. It is regrettable that the government has not issued a forceful statement, and not even PM Modi, who spoke about the incident outside the Parliament building before the start of the session, has done so. If the opposition alliance can maintain such protests on the street and in Parliament against the ruling regime, it will undoubtedly be to their political advantage.

No-Confidence Card

It was crucial for the opposition alliance to demonstrate their strength in a manner that is memorable to the public and garners significant media attention. To achieve this, the opposition targeted the Manipur issue and demanded a statement from PM Modi in front of both Houses of Parliament, which the BJP refused. At this juncture, the opposition united in a decisive manner and introduced the motion of no confidence. There are a number of obstacles facing the opposition in the Lok Sabha, including the dearth of skilled orators among their ranks. In addition, they are well aware that regardless of the arguments they present during the debate, the BJP leaders, and most notably PM Modi himself, will refute these claims.

However, it was crucial for all opposition parties to convince the country's populace that they are truly united, and all doubts regarding their future prospects in terms of state-based priorities should be set aside at this time.

The Sonia Gandhi Factor

It was apparently one individual, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who made the deliberations and operation of the grand opposition's meeting in Bengaluru go smoothly, with everyone calling her a “unifier” whose popularity transcends party lines. According to media reports, Sonia Gandhi and the Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee spent considerable time discussing issues. This meeting completely altered Banerjee's perspective on the Congress. Previously, the same Banerjee referred to Rahul Gandhi as the "TRP of the BJP", but at the conclusion of the Bengaluru meeting, she referred to him as "our favourite Rahul Gandhi". 

The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, both of whom had a sour history, displayed an unprecedented level of camaraderie. During the Parliament session, when Sonia Gandhi met agitating AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh outside the entrance, she expressed her support and solidarity. These small cooperative gestures by Gandhi are extremely significant for the cohesion of the opposition. She was essential to the UPA's cohesiveness. Sonia Gandhi is one of the few politicians who understands coalition politics and knows how to make it successful. Though the Gandhi family and the Congress have been the subject of numerous criticisms by all parties, many believe Gandhi's presence has sent a message of relief and determination to every corner of the country, which has allowed the opposition political parties to execute their plans with relative ease. 

It is true that bringing together these political parties with their acrimonious histories and distinct state priorities is difficult. And it is also important to note that, despite grandiose statements, these political parties have avoided the actual issue of seat allocation in their respective states from Day One. Without a doubt, sharing seats will not be simple. But at the same time, this is the very first time that opposition political parties have demonstrated such unity, decisiveness, resolve to fight side by side, and a clear objective. In spite of knowing that the BJP will easily win the no-confidence vote, the opposition alliance brought this motion to force the government to conduct a discussion on the Manipur issue and other matters, and to make the PM speak in the House.  

(The author is a visiting professor of journalism, a political columnist, and a doctoral research scholar.)

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