Interesting times we live in wherein PM Modi takes wacky and queerish swipes at the (purported) united opposition by juxtaposing the alliance, I.N.D.I.A., with acronyms such as PFI, SIMI, IM, and EIC and insinuating the ostensible parallels! Lampooning the newly forged alliance, PM Modi jibed that a mere name doesn’t give one credibility. The Opposition was “desperate and directionless”, Modi claimed. It increased the BJP’s responsibility, and there were ‘clear indications of the NDA returning to power’ for a third consecutive term, he claimed.
To use a euphemism, packaging the same old wine in a new bottle is an expression of what the UPA has accomplished recently. The opposition parties emerged from their two-day meeting in Bengaluru all puffed up and preening about their ‘new’ alliance, INDIA, an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, which they predict will overthrow the BJP in 2024. A closer look reveals that this is nothing more than an embarrassingly brazen attempt to repackage the failed UPA era into a grand alliance that exists only on paper, which is ironic given HD Kumaraswami’s picturesque oath-taking ceremonial stage in the same state of Karnataka in 2018, where the likes of the same opposition parties joined hands and posed for a picture.
This merry band of contradictions, made up of 26 motley and disarrayed regional parties led by the waning Congress, is aiming to snowball its incoherent alliance into a huge killer capable of stopping Modi’s historic third term. The term ‘INDIA’ is a vulgar attempt at nationalism, aiming to steal the BJP’s agenda, which has resonated strongly with Indians. Do they believe the public is stupid and incapable of seeing through this pathetic ploy that smacks of desperation?
Examine the important players in this dysfunctional alliance:
1. The Congress is still the most powerful shareholder, but it is a pale shadow of its former self, lurching from crisis to crisis under the inept Nehru-Gandhis, whose authority has been publicly challenged by G-23 mutineers, many of whom have deboarded the sinking ship. To stay relevant, the Grand Old Party has been forced to grasp at straws. What does it have to offer the country if it can’t even keep its own house in order?
2. According to a slew of shocking findings made by various courts over the years, Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, which played a key role in forging the coalition, is steeped in the politics of Muslim appeasement and intimidation. West Bengal has seen an alarming increase in political violence and communal tensions under Didi. Is this the kind of secularism INDIA intends to spread?
3. Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP’s convenor, thrives on political stunts rather than governing. Even as he dreams of going nationwide, his party in Delhi is entangled in corruption problems. Leaving aside the political rhetoric, the rational and essential question that needs to be posed is what administrative ability he can bring to the table.
4. It is claimed that Sharad Pawar’s NCP has mastered the skill of conducting scams and hiding black money: from irrigation scandals to Maoist ties, the party is no stranger to gaming the system. Nonetheless, it now claims to be a symbol of transparency and accountability.
The list continues on, from the SP’s dismal track record in the UP to the Left parties’ obliviousness to ground realities. This hodgepodge bunch has clearly been brought together simply by their shared hatred for Modi and desire for power. They have no unified vision or agenda for the country, as seen by their failure to make fundamental decisions such as leadership. Their sole common thread is a frantic determination to bring Modi down.In contrast, the NDA, led by the BJP, today includes 38 parties united by their belief in Prime Minister Modi’s vision for India. The spirit of progressive politics centred on development and national interest was evident during the latest NDA gathering. The BJP has extended its national influence while also empowering its regional partners. Clearly, the NDA’s good politics of hope have triumphed over INDIA’s petty politics. Despite lofty claims of being secular, inclusive, and progressive, the previous UPA rule was characterised by catastrophic corruption scandals, dismal governance, and nil development. What will they do differently this time? Where is India’s future road map?The nation recognises these obvious power moves disguised as pro-people and IDEOLOGICAL alliances.
I.N.D.I.A. is nothing more than a repackaged version of the same “corruption-accused” UPA, the same old strain of self-serving politics in new packaging. In their desire for power, they have abandoned any pretence of principles or ethics.Let this aimless coalition continue to plot. People, however, are no longer duped by their ineffective strategies and misleading promises. The lotus will bloom again in 2024 as India continues its resolute march towards growth, headed by Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership. Citizens will emphatically reject this venture based solely on ego and hatred.
The author is an independent journalist and columnist.