Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar along with other like-minded leaders in Opposition is trying to set an ‘alternative political narrative’ for the parliamentary elections that are only a year away. Over the past few days, Nitish was seen using his negotiation skills to persuade leaders of “like-minded” non-BJP parties in New Delhi to help him cobble together a united front to take on the Narendra Modi-led BJP government in the electoral battle of 2024. The Bihar CM may be exploring the possibility of putting in place a united front, but the question about “the leadership” of any such alliance remains to be addressed. And, this will be a big challenge for Nitish Kumar and other leaders in Opposition.
Similarly, preparing a ‘convincing common agenda’ will be another difficult goal to achieve. Without an acceptable face to lead the opposition’s front in the general elections, the entire exercise that seems to have gained momentum as of now will end up as yet another show of political opportunism. The BJP is already waiting for the opportunity to embarrass the opposition bloc if Nitish’s efforts to put up a combined opposition come a cropper. Union Minister Giriraj Singh has dropped ample hints about the BJP’s strategy as he took a swipe at Nitish Kumar a day after the Bihar CM met with Congress leaders Mallikarjuna Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and also Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. “Everyone wants to become the Prime Minister. Nitish Kumar is strong in that. That’s why he is pleasing Mallikarjuna Kharge and got an appointment with Rahul Gandhi. Nitish Kumar should know that the PM post for 2024 is not vacant. He should know that he is headed for political decline.” A similar exercise was witnessed during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls too when the non-BJP parties attempted to put up a combined challenge but failed miserably. In fact, the parties had then failed to address the same question of leadership. The possibility of internal squabbling and differences among the parties in the opposition over the prime ministerial ambition cannot be ruled out. Aware of this problem and complications, Nitish is avoiding answering questions on whether he wants himself to be projected as the PM candidate of the opposition front. But the reality is that Nitish is keen to lead the front during the next year’s Lok Sabha elections. His supporters have started posting on social media “Agla PM Bihari Hoga (The next PM will be from Bihar).” Similarly, several other leaders are reluctant to drop their ambition for the highest post. Is this not going to trigger a tussle within a united front if at all it comes into existence? This is the question that is being asked in the political circles amid Nitish Kumar’s outreach to various political parties in opposition. This is all about the leadership issue. Another ticklish task that Nitish will be faced with is to convince AAP, Samajwadi Party, TMC and BRS to be in a front with the Congress. All of these four parties see Congress as a political rival in their respective states. Will these parties agree to fight the Lok Sabha polls joining hands with the Congress? If this happens then the BJP will again have a much-needed opportunity to describe the front as an example of political opportunism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already set the narrative, saying that the probe agencies have forced all the corrupt leaders and parties to come on one stage. If AAP, BRS, SP and TMC fight the polls without joining hands with Congress in their respective states, the resultant triangular contest will benefit the BJP immensely. Will the TMC, Left and Congress come together in Bengal? Nitish will have to work hard, managing to bring them on board together. Another challenge that Nitish will face is achieving broad agreement among the parties on the various political and economic issues. NCP chief Sharad Pawar taking a different line on the opposition’s demand for a JPC probe into the Adani scam and on the “PM’s degree” row is an example that does not augur well for Nitish’s efforts.