‘INDIA Bloc Seems Frail, BJP Formidable’: Chidambaram’s 2029 Warning Triggers BJP’s Sharp Quip
Chidambaram's remarks on the INDIA bloc's fragility spark BJP criticism, highlighting opposition challenges and the BJP's formidable organization ahead of key elections.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the Congress on Friday following remarks by senior leader P Chidambaram, who expressed doubts about the staying power of the opposition's INDIA bloc, a coalition formed to challenge the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in upcoming elections.
Chidambaram, speaking at the launch of the book Contesting Democratic Deficit, co-authored by Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Mrityunjay Singh Yadav, offered a candid assessment of the alliance’s prospects. "The future is not so bright as Mr Mrityunjay Singh Yadav says. He seems to feel that the INDIA alliance is still intact. I am not sure... If the INDIA alliance is totally intact, I would be very, very happy, but it seems frail. It can be put together. There is still time," he said.
Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Chidambaram admitted the opposition faces a daunting task in countering the BJP’s political machinery. "In my experience, in my reading of history, there has been no political party which is so formidably organised as the BJP," he noted, describing the ruling party as more than just a political entity – a deeply entrenched system with control over critical institutions.
The BJP was quick to seize on Chidambaram’s remarks, framing them as an acknowledgment of the alliance’s fragility. National spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accused the INDIA bloc of prioritizing power over principles, alleging that its leaders had come together solely to "abuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi or demoralise the armed forces" rather than to serve the public.
Pradeep Bhandari, another BJP spokesperson, amplified the message on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter): "Congress leader P Chidambaram predicts - 'Opposition won't be intact in the future, BJP is a formidable organisation'. Even Rahul Gandhi's close aides know Congress has no future!"
Adding to the chorus, BJP's Kerala unit chief and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar described the alliance as a "motley collection" of dynasty-driven parties lacking a coherent vision for India. "The BJP is a formidable party because it believes in strong values/principles of India First, and cares for all Indians - and so has the support of most Indians," he said, echoing the party’s central message. He added that the alliance is "united only by their love for corruption and their fear and hatred of Narendra Modiji."
Chidambaram’s comments come at a critical juncture for the INDIA bloc, which was formed in July 2023 after a series of poll defeats for the opposition, including the 2019 Lok Sabha election, where the BJP secured 303 seats on its own. While the alliance brought together a diverse set of parties with the goal of countering the BJP’s dominance, it has struggled to maintain a united front, with internal disagreements over seat sharing and leadership.
Looking ahead, the opposition faces a challenging electoral calendar, including state elections in Bihar, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh before the 2029 general elections. These contests are expected to be crucial, potentially determining whether the BJP solidifies its dominance or the opposition can mount a credible challenge.
Despite his stark assessment, Chidambaram struck a cautiously optimistic tone, suggesting that the alliance could still come together if parties act decisively in the coming years. "There is still time," he said, emphasizing the need for a united front to restore what he described as a "full-fledged democracy" in India.
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