State of the Nation: Rahul Gandhi, Opposition Strategy

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State of the Nation: Rahul Gandhi, Opposition Strategy

There is a near-unanimous acceptance of Rahul Gandhi’s new stature.  His is the “most vocal, committed and unwavering articulation against the ideas and ideology represented by the BJP and the RSS,” writes Sanjeev Srivastava (senior journalist and political commentator).

But he must be careful of the self-goals that he is prone to make.  Lately, the BJP has ensured that focus remained on the more embarrassing aspects of his US trip. “The sooner Rahul Gandhi realises this, the better it will be for him and the Opposition cause.” The Opposition “should also accept that the governing coalition has a comfortable majority and looks stable and secure for now, pending unforeseen dramatic changes in the coalition arithmetic.” 

 

Issues in focus

Caste census: The Opposition and Rahul Gandhi are nevertheless, raising important issues.  The caste census seems to be one of the Opposition’s main planks. “And the government’s clumsy response makes many believe that this….can be BJP’s Achilles’ heel.”

Middle class: Also, argues Srivastava “even as it constantly discusses social justice and caste, the Opposition should not completely let go of the aspirational young and the middle class — many of whom think that both the BJP and Congress see little political use for them and that they have, consequently, been left to fend for themselves…..Having pitched his tent further to the left of Nehruvian socialism, Rahul Gandhi runs the risk of alienating those who would prefer that the country remains on a centrist pitch.”

Ideological focus: Rahul Gandhi’s description of the BJP vs Congress contest as a clash of two contrasting ideas of India “also puts a sharp ideological focus on the issue…..Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition need to remain true to their idea of India, but they need to also be respectful of Hindu beliefs and sensibilities, as the average Indian is no textbook liberal."

Constitution and reservation: The attack-on-the-Constitution line “certainly worked,” according to Srivastava.  “Most of all, it found resonance on the issue of reservation, and during election travels, one did get a sense of growing disquiet among people regarding the BJP’s position on this issue. A mix of arrogance and misuse of agencies and institutions to browbeat the Opposition (Maharashtra), centralised ticket distribution with little care and respect for state leaders and local sensibilities (UP and Rajasthan) and fatigue and anti-incumbency best explains the 2024 outcome.”

In sum “Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition alliance look to be in a promising space right now. But they would do well to remember that on the other side are masters of realpolitik and consummate 24×7 politicians….”


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