Last year, over two dozen opposition parties in India joined forces to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming national election. However, the unity of the alliance, known as INDIA, is now showing signs of strain due to internal conflicts and ideological differences.
The alliance, led by the Indian National Congress party, includes powerful regional parties that are direct competitors in various states. Disagreements over seat-sharing and candidate selection have caused rifts within the alliance, with some key partners deciding to contest seats independently.
Prime Minister Modi's popularity has been on the rise, especially after the inauguration of a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, fulfilling a long-standing promise of his party's Hindu nationalist agenda. Analysts suggest that the opposition's inability to present a united front and craft a compelling narrative against Modi has bolstered his chances of securing a third consecutive term.
The recent defection of a key alliance architect to Modi's party has further weakened the opposition's position. Modi's party has been successful in exploiting divisions within the opposition ranks and attracting defections, undermining the alliance's strength.
Despite attempts by the opposition to consolidate the anti-BJP vote by fielding single candidates in each constituency, challenges persist. The Congress party, a dominant force in Indian politics, has struggled to maintain relevance and faces internal challenges.
Modi's emphasis on portraying himself as an outsider fighting against the political elite, coupled with his blend of religion and politics, has resonated with a significant portion of India's Hindu population. The opposition's failure to effectively address key issues such as rising unemployment and economic discontentment has also played into Modi's favor.
As India gears up for the national election scheduled for April and May, the opposition faces an uphill battle in countering Modi's political momentum. Analysts suggest that unless there is a significant shift in public sentiment or a widespread uprising over economic concerns, Modi appears well-positioned to secure another term in office.
