Till recently, while Congress is perceived as a weak party, out of power since 2014. Today, it appears reinvigorated compared to 2014 or 2017. Its ability to limit the seats won by the BJP to 99 in Gujarat 2017 assembly elections, form a coalition in Karnataka in 2018 despite the BJP emerging as the largest single party, and recent successes in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, point to a new dynamism under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Based on the new found confidence, following the formation of the BSP-SP alliance, the party has announced that it would contest all the seats in U.P. Efforts are being made by SP leader Akhilesh Yadav to include Congress also in the alliance.
BJP, already ruling the Centre, has resources and cadres to get a majority and provide stability. But the popular mood appears to be turning against it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not as popular as he was at the time of 2014 general election. It is believed he has lost most of his public appeal and charisma. Nevertheless, he still retains some of his popularity. What has gone against him is unfulfilled poll promises such as introducing rapid development, resolving the farm crisis, improvement in the health and education sectors. On the other hand, his policies like demonetization, GST have caused misery to the poor or small business. There is rising anger among Dalits due to incidents of violence against them and attempts to dilute the SC/ST Act. Similarly, yogi Adityanath’s tenure has been marked by failures.
Despite two big gatherings in Delhi in recent days the reality is that the contours of the opposition unity project remain undefined. Since the impressive congregation of all opposition leaders at H D Kumaraswamy’s gala swearing in Bengaluru, there has been no real movement on the grand alliance front through many photo opportunities came and went. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu’s hunger strike saw Congress President Rahul Gandhi joining him on stage.
But an Aam Aadmi party invitation to its ‘save Democracy’ rally, a no-go area for Rahul Gandhi though leaders like Mamata Banerjee H D Deve Gowda, Chandrababu Naidu, Sharad Pawar and representatives of other regional parties were in attendance. Political calculations and national perspective or a capacity for sacrifice have inspired these joint appearance. Parties opposed to BJP also need to fight each in many states. (IPA Service)
INDIA
CONGRESS IS A REJUVENATED PARTY BEFORE LOK SABHA POLL
BJP IS FACING A TOUGH BATTLE TO RETAIN POWER
Harihar Swarup - 2019-02-16 17:56
What India needs after 2019 general election is stability. One wonders if the Opposition with all efforts to unite, even if they come on one platform, can provide a stable government. Our experience with the era of coalition has not been happy. The country’s eyes are now fixed on a renewed Congress led by Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi. Doubtless, Priyanka’s entry in active politics has rejuvenated the party’s rank and file and old-timers began recalling the pristine days of the grand old party. Even though Priyanka has stark similarity with her grandmother, Indira Gandhi, will she get vote for the Congress? Unlike most of the Congress leaders, Priyanka is charismatic and has capacity to sway voters; however, it is too early to say if she can get a majority for her party.