BJP leader Prakash Reddy has criticized the INDIA bloc, highlighting internal conflicts that have surfaced following the recent Delhi elections. He emphasized that the alliance is experiencing a “dark phase,” pointing to the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) contesting against each other despite being coalition partners at the national level.
Reddy noted that after the Delhi elections, political analysts predict that the INDIA alliance may not collaborate in future elections. He pointed out that the bloc failed to contest together in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi, indicating a decline in unity.
Further highlighting the alliance’s fragmentation, Reddy referenced West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s announcement that her party, the Trinamool Congress, would contest the West Bengal elections independently, without any coalition. He attributed this division to the Congress party, suggesting that regional parties are choosing to contest elections on their own rather than as part of the alliance.
The recent Delhi election results have intensified discussions about the INDIA bloc’s internal dynamics. The BJP secured a historic mandate, returning to power in the national capital after 27 years by winning 48 out of 70 seats. In contrast, AAP’s tally dropped to 22 seats from its previous 62, and the Congress failed to win any seats.
In response to the election outcomes, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, a senior leader of the National Conference and member of the INDIA bloc, criticized the infighting between Congress and AAP. He shared a meme on social media, captioned, “Aur lado aapas mein!!!” (“Fight amongst yourselves some more”).
These developments have led to increased scrutiny of the alliance’s cohesion. Analysts suggest that internal conflicts and competing ambitions within the INDIA bloc have resulted in electoral setbacks, weakening their position against the BJP in national politics. The Delhi election loss highlighted growing rifts, particularly between Congress and AAP. Despite the alliance’s initial success in the Lok Sabha polls, future unity remains uncertain, threatening their collective strength.
The INDIA bloc’s challenges underscore the difficulties of maintaining unity among diverse political entities with varying regional interests. As the alliance navigates these internal conflicts, its ability to present a united front against the BJP remains in question.
