Following a series of disappointments for major INDIA bloc parties in recent assembly elections, Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal has called for the alliance to work together meticulously to strengthen its electoral strategy. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Sibal acknowledged the challenges of coalition politics, emphasizing the need for better coordination to prevent past mistakes from recurring.
Congress’ Struggles and the Need for Unity
Reflecting on Congress’ underwhelming performance, Sibal pointed to the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, where the party’s poor showing hindered the Mahagathbandhan from securing a majority. He stressed that while Congress prioritizes collective decision-making, the alliance must find a way to contest elections more effectively.
"Congress always strives to work together with consent. However, challenges arise at times. In Bihar, Congress was given seats but failed to win, leading the RJD to believe that Congress cost them power. All INDIA alliance parties must jointly strategize their approach to elections," he stated.
BJP’s Single Leadership Advantage
As BJP secured decisive victories in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Haryana, Sibal noted that its centralized command structure gives it a competitive edge. He emphasized that unlike the opposition, which must balance regional ambitions with national goals, the BJP benefits from a unified leadership.
"In the BJP, elections are fought under a single command, which works to their advantage. In contrast, regional parties within the INDIA alliance seek to expand beyond their states, while Congress aims to maintain its national footprint. These dynamics require careful negotiation," Sibal explained.
Sharad Pawar’s View: INDIA Alliance Is a National Coalition
Citing NCP leader Sharad Pawar, Sibal reiterated that the INDIA alliance is focused on national elections, not necessarily state contests. He emphasized that discussions on electoral strategies must continue with the consent of all alliance partners, ensuring that regional aspirations do not conflict with broader coalition goals.
"Sharad Pawar has repeatedly stated that the INDIA alliance is a national coalition, applicable primarily to general elections. However, regional parties have ambitions beyond their states, while Congress must preserve its national influence. These discussions must be resolved collectively," he said.
Congress’ Declining Influence and BJP’s Dominance
Congress' downward trajectory in Delhi continued, as the party failed to secure a single seat for the third consecutive election. Once a dominant force in the capital, ruling from 1998 to 2013, Congress has struggled to regain relevance. Meanwhile, BJP stormed to power in Delhi on February 8, securing a two-thirds majority, while AAP suffered significant losses in the 70-member assembly.
Beyond Delhi, BJP's victories in Haryana and Maharashtra have further weakened the opposition’s momentum ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. These results underscore the growing urgency for the INDIA alliance to devise a stronger electoral strategy if it hopes to challenge BJP’s dominance in the national polls.
Looking Ahead
Despite setbacks, Sibal remained optimistic about the alliance’s stability, asserting that regional party leaders are experienced strategists who understand the challenges ahead. However, he stressed that time is running out for the opposition to get its act together and present a united front against BJP’s electoral machine.
With the 2024 general elections approaching, the INDIA alliance faces a critical test—can it bridge internal differences and mount a credible challenge to BJP’s electoral dominance?