The opposition’s INDIA Bloc is witnessing fractures even before the general elections. In
West Bengal
, TMC openly announced its 'Ekla Chalo' strategy, while AAP maintains its assertive stance in Punjab. Meanwhile, in Bihar, JDU chief Nitish Kumar's statements have sparked fresh political debates within the alliance. Akhilesh Yadav in UP has already clarified his terms for alliance progression. Discord over seat-sharing persists, with Congress being the focal point of regional parties. Congress believes discussions will lead to resolutions, yet a month after the alliance’s fourth meeting, no formula for alliance has been agreed upon.
The situation is such that engaging one party or leader risks alienating another. The alliance's complexities are increasing rather than resolving, despite including 28 parties. In West
Bengal
, TMC and Congress are opposing each other. Following a heated exchange between Congress’s state president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and TMC leaders, Mamata Banerjee declared she will contest the upcoming general election independently, aiming to field TMC candidates for all 42 seats. The alliance’s partners in Bengal currently include Congress, TMC, and CPM. Mamata stated Congress rejected a seat-sharing proposal, unwilling to offer Congress more than two seats, whereas Congress demands 10-12. They prefer aligning with the Left, yet Mamata remains uninterested, intensifying alliance politics after her statement.
'AAP Favors Solo Contest in Punjab'
Punjab presents a similar scenario, with AAP and Congress confronting each other. Party workers from both factions prefer contesting without alliances, believing in their organizational strength. Consequently, Punjab Chief Minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann has frequently criticized Congress, even proposing a solo election formula to AAP’s high command. Mann asserts AAP will contest all 13 seats, securing victory. Mann stated, “In Punjab, we won't form an alliance with Congress.” Currently, the two parties are negotiating seat-sharing, with final decisions pending from respective high commands.
Source: aajtak
'AAP Seeks Seniority in Delhi too'
In Delhi, AAP and Congress relations have similarly cooled. With AAP asserting organizational strength along with governance in the state, they expect junior status for Congress within alliances. AAP demands Congress to cede seats in Gujarat, Haryana, and Goa—states Congress contests solo. Should Congress comply, AAP is willing to collaborate for Delhi and Punjab elections.
'SP-RLD Alliance Sealed in UP'
UP introduces further complexities, with Akhilesh Yadav maintaining his unique stance. During the 2019 elections, the
SP
allied with BSP and won five seats while Congress seized Rae Bareli. For the upcoming general elections, SP demands 65 seats within the INDIA Bloc, with Congress requesting 25. The formula for UP’s 80 seats remains undeciphered as yet. Prior to this, SP announced an alliance with RLD. SP aims to coax Congress and RLD into accepting 15 seats, though UP Congress leaders desire parity with SP. Meanwhile, Jayant Chaudhary-led RLD also seeks 7-8 contestable seats, having contested three in 2019.
Source: aajtak
'All Eyes on Nitish Kumar in Bihar'
Bihar signals potential unrest within the alliance. Recent shifts in JDU chief and Chief Minister
Nitish Kumar
’s demeanor have increased INDIA Bloc tensions. Discussions suggest increasing pressure on Nitish from JDU leaders to exit the grand alliance. Should this materialize, the alliance risks losing its leadership. Another reason includes posthumously honoring Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, which pleased Nitish Kumar, who praised the central government and PM Modi for the honor.
'Karpoori Thakur's Bharat Ratna Alters Political Scene'
During celebrations for Karpoori Thakur’s birth anniversary, two remarks by
Nitish
sparked discussions. Nitish questioned Congress, urging its accountability for not conferring the Bharat Ratna on Thakur during its governance. He asserted the demand was longstanding, unfulfilled by previous governments, whereas the current government delivered, meriting gratitude. Nitish subtly criticized dynastic politics, indirectly referencing RJD. He highlighted Thakur’s principles, contrasting against current hereditary politics. Learning from Thakur, Nitish emphasized fostering others rather than advancing family, appointing Karpoori’s son Ramnath Thakur to a position.
Nitish’s Surprising Decisions in Bihar!
Nitish Kumar is renowned for his unexpected decisions in Bihar’s political landscape. His plans often remain concealed until announced. Recently, he assumed party leadership over Lalan Singh. Discussions circulate regarding internal dissatisfaction within JDU's grass-roots. Consequently, Nitish’s political maneuvers attract widespread attention. Previously, Congress announced Nitish's participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi on January 30, creating suspense as JDU denied any invitation. Nitish’s attendance remains uncertain.
Source: aajtak
'Post-Mamata Announcement: Reactions Unveil'
Despite Mamata's dissatisfaction, opposition alliance hopes persist, with INDIA Bloc leaders relying on dialogue to resolve issues and coordinate for elections. Post-announcement, Congress showed leniency, initiating damage control. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh mentioned, “We cannot envision INDIA Bloc without Mamata Banerjee. Speed breakers slow progress, but negotiation continues. INDIA Bloc aims to contest together in Bengal, primarily to defeat BJP nationally and in the state. Mamata Banerjee acknowledges defeating BJP as her primary goal. TMC remains a significant pillar. Solutions will emerge.”
'BJP Looks Forward to Modi vs. Mamata Confrontation'
CPM leader Mohammed Salim remarked that BJP desires a Modi vs. Mamata electoral clash, a strategy reciprocated by Banerjee.
'Avoiding Controversial Statements'
In Delhi, AAP leader and minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that TMC is a dominant presence in West Bengal, having consistently opposed Congress and the Left. He opined that seat-sharing with TMC presents challenges but envisaged issues being resolved. Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi remain committed to INDIA Bloc’s success, foreseeing collective elections. Bharadwaj advised Adhir Ranjan to refrain from divisive statements against TMC and Banerjee’s administration.
'Uddhav Faction Hails Mamata as a Tigress'
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) legislator Aditya Thackeray lauded Mamata Banerjee as a tigress, considering her decision a strategic move. Aditya remarked, “I’ll respond post analyzing her statement; she’s battling valiantly in Bengal.” Sources suggested Mamata’s solo election declaration was anticipated, leaving minimal Congress collaboration scope. NCP and Congress-affiliated team Uddhav asserted Maharashtra’s coalition stability.
Source: aajtak
'Our Respects for Didi'
NCP’s executive president Supriya Sule dismissed speculations, affirming affection and respect for Mamata as 'our Didi.' The alliance remains intact, unified for the elections. There are no internal conflicts within the alliance, with ongoing discussions.
'Patience, Anticipation'
Bihar's shifting political climate, especially with statements from Nitish Kumar, signals potential for alliances to reaffirm or dissolve depending on emerging strategies.
Punjab's AAP continues reinforcing its electoral independence, projecting a strong solo contest approach.
RJD MP Manoj Jha requested patience, suggesting Mamata Banerjee quoted statements within specific contexts, urging time for resolution. Jha expressed confidence in alliance reconciliation post disputes. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) spokesperson Clyde Crasto pondered strategic motivations behind Bengal leadership’s steps. He reiterated Mamata Banerjee and her party’s pivotal role within INDIA Bloc, highlighting ongoing solidified anti-BJP efforts. Crasto speculated Mamata’s statements as strategic, dismissing intra-Bloc conflict notions.
Why Blame Congress?
Regional parties in the alliance advocate autonomous decision-making within states, leveraging past election outcomes for seat sharing. Despite Congress's expressed intent for support where necessary, its perceived lack of commitment towards seat-sharing negotiations hampers progress. No discussions occurred during five-state elections. Post-December 2023 results unfavored Congress, redirecting focus to the alliance; however, seat-sharing talks stagnated. Congress, being a significant party, is viewed as insufficiently magnanimous.
