hAs India approaches another electoral milestone, the once-promising INDIA Bloc, formed to counter the BJP’s political dominance, appears to be unravelling. What began as a strategic coalition of opposition parties during the 2024 general elections has now devolved into a fragmented grouping, riddled with internal contradictions and clashing ambitions. The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections could potentially be a pivotal moment for this coalition, posing existential questions about its future.
The INDIA Bloc, which initially brought together diverse political entities under a shared banner, now finds itself split into two distinct factions. On one side is the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, and on the other is the Congress, a former ally in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This division has come to the forefront as the two factions face off in the Delhi elections, their direct contest underscoring the fragile nature of the alliance.
The AAP has garnered support from prominent regional players such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Samajwadi Party, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, resulting in the Congress facing increasing isolation. The growing fissures were starkly highlighted when Rahul Gandhi openly criticised Kejriwal, equating him with Prime Minister Narendra Modi — a sharp departure from the Congress’s earlier reluctance to target AAP directly. This public confrontation reflects the growing mistrust and hostility within the opposition ranks, eroding the Bloc’s cohesion.
Delhi is not the only place where the INDIA Bloc is fracturing. Across the country, regional parties have grown disillusioned with the Congress’s perceived high-handedness. Despite its improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress has struggled to maintain harmony with its allies, particularly in states like Haryana and Maharashtra.
The AAP, in Haryana, attempted to create a united opposition front, but Congress’s lack of enthusiasm hindered this effort. Similarly, in Maharashtra, the Congress’s rigid stance on seat-sharing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alienated its partners, resulting in a lacklustre performance that weakened the coalition. Such instances of inflexibility have frustrated regional parties, which are increasingly wary of aligning with a Congress that appears unwilling to accommodate their interests.
If the Congress hopes to maintain its leadership role within the INDIA Bloc, it must recalibrate its strategy to prioritise collaboration and mutual respect. Without a willingness to share power and adapt to the realities of regional politics, the Bloc’s unity will remain tenuous at best.
The Delhi Assembly elections hold particular significance as a barometer for the INDIA Bloc’s future. Beyond the immediate battle between the AAP, Congress, and the BJP, the election results will reveal whether the opposition alliance can overcome its internal contradictions and present a unified strategy in the face of mounting challenges.
Should AAP emerge victorious, it would likely cement its position as a leading force within the opposition, further isolating the Congress. Conversely, if Congress manages to cut into AAP’s voter base, tensions within the bloc could escalate, prompting AAP to reconsider its participation in the alliance. Such a scenario could lead to the Bloc’s disintegration, with individual parties prioritising their regional interests over collective goals.
One of the INDIA Bloc’s fundamental weaknesses is its lack of a cohesive leadership structure. Initially, the alliance’s decentralised approach allowed state-level leaders to make decisions based on regional dynamics. While this model aimed to accommodate the diverse interests of its members, it has resulted in a fragmented strategy and an inability to present a unified vision.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot has called for a stronger alternative to challenge the BJP, but this vision remains unrealised due to the absence of a clear leadership framework. Without a central figure or coherent strategy to guide the Bloc, its efforts to counter the BJP’s dominance appear disjointed and ineffective.
The INDIA Bloc’s survival hinges on its ability to adapt to evolving political realities. This requires addressing internal conflicts and presenting a compelling narrative that resonates with voters. Issues such as economic inequality, social justice, and democratic governance must take center stage in the Bloc’s agenda. Additionally, it must counter the BJP’s narrative of nationalism and development, which has been pivotal in shaping public opinion.
To achieve this, the Bloc’s leaders must prioritise dialogue, compromise, and collective action. The focus should be on building trust among its members and crafting a shared vision that transcends individual ambitions. Only then can the alliance hope to present a credible alternative to the BJP.
The INDIA Bloc’s challenges are not merely a matter of political strategy but also a test of democratic integrity. The alliance was formed with the stated goal of upholding the principles of democracy and pluralism, offering a counterbalance to what it views as the BJP’s authoritarian tendencies. Its potential disintegration would weaken the opposition and undermine the democratic process, leaving voters with fewer alternatives and a less vibrant political landscape.
The INDIA Bloc finds itself at a crucial juncture as the Delhi elections draw near. The leaders of the INDIA Bloc must acknowledge that unity and cooperation are not only essential for electoral success but also fundamental to the well-being of India’s democracy. The alliance’s future depends on its ability to resolve internal contradictions and work toward a common goal.
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For the Congress, this means shedding its high-handed approach and embracing a more inclusive leadership style. For regional parties, it requires balancing state-level priorities with the broader objective of opposing the BJP. And for AAP, it involves finding a way to coexist with the Congress, despite their differences.
The Delhi Assembly elections will ultimately test the viability of the INDIA Bloc. Whether the alliance can navigate its internal challenges and emerge stronger will determine not only its electoral prospects but also the future trajectory of India’s opposition politics. The stakes are significant, not only for the INDIA Bloc but also for the nation’s democratic fabric.
The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh.
