New Delhi: Political tensions have escalated among the members of the INDIA alliance after facing losses in Haryana and Maharashtra states. The issue sparked when Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, expressed her desire to take charge of the opposition coalition amid support from parties such as the Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena (UBT) despite facing opposition from the Congress party.
The INDIA coalition was established in 2023 under the guidance of the Congress party to unite 26 opposition parties in opposition to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In the Lok Sabha elections, the alliance emerged victorious in 236 constituencies, demonstrating strength in various significant states, like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Rajasthan.
However, conflicts have arisen due to varying viewpoints on matters like the allegations involving businessman Gautam Adani. Both the Samajwadi Party and Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress have taken a step back from the criticisms by Congress regarding the Adani issue. This was evident when TMC chose to skip a meeting that Rahul Gandhi was present in.
Violence broke out during the Mandir Masjid conflict in Sambhal town of Uttar Pradesh, resulting in deaths. The Samajwadi Party has been vocal about this issue in Parliament.They claim that the chaos was planned by the ruling party, and being the opposition party in the state, Rahul Gandhi’s intention to visit Sambhal but not following through caused frustration among SP members. General Secretary Ram Gopal Yadav brushed off Gandhi’s move as drama.
Member of Parliament Sandeeo Dixit went to the extent of implying that Banerjee was working as a “BJP agent” by fueling these requests; however, top Congress officials have mostly chosen to stay quiet on the matter.
The internal divisions within the INDIA alliance are mainly linked to the results of the Congress party in the state assembly elections, where they were outperformed in key battles by the NDA coalition groupings.
In the realm of influence and representation, in India’s bodies known as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Congress boasts a total of 100 seats in the Lok Sabha and 25 seats in the Rajya Sabha, respectively. In comparison to this count, their affiliated parties have sway over 136 Lok Sabha seats and 61 Rajya Sabha seats. The Trinamool Congress commands a presence with 28 Lok Sabha seats and 12 Rajya Sabha seats, while the Samajwadi Party holds sway with 37 Lok Sabha seats and 4 Rajya Sabha seats. Additionally, the Shiv Sena (UBP) has a standing, with 9 Lok Sabha seats and 2 Rajya Sabha seats. The collective power of TMC, SP, and Shiv Sen is represented by 74 Lok Sabha seats and 18 Rajya Sabha seats.
Arvind Kejriwal has hinted at running in elections of the Congress in Delhi. Is possibly considering forming an alliance with Mamata Banerjee as they both navigate a changing political environment to diminish the influence of the Congress party.
Discussions are ongoing about changing the leadership of the alliance as the political situation unfolds and reveals growing divisions within the opposition coalition groupings that cast doubt on their unity.
Comments are closed.