The escalating tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections have exposed deep fractures within the opposition INDIA bloc, raising questions about its longevity and relevance. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, a prominent leader in the alliance and head of the National Conference, has voiced his disappointment over the alliance's lack of cohesion and strategic direction. Abdullah did not hold back in his criticism, suggesting that if the bloc cannot function as a united entity, it might be better to disband it entirely.
Reflecting on the INDIA bloc's performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where it succeeded in preventing the BJP from securing a simple majority, Abdullah lamented the absence of follow-through. “It is unfortunate that no meeting of the INDIA bloc has taken place since the elections. Who will lead? What will the agenda be? How will the alliance move forward? There has been no discussion on these vital issues,” Abdullah remarked. He called for a meeting to clarify the bloc’s future, emphasizing the need for a unified strategy if the alliance is to remain relevant in state elections and beyond. “If this alliance was formed solely for the Lok Sabha elections, then let it end. But if it is intended to continue into Assembly elections, then we must work together effectively,” he urged.
Tejashwi Yadav Questions INDIA Bloc's Purpose
Abdullah's remarks come on the heels of similar sentiments expressed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav. The former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar argued that the INDIA bloc had already served its primary purpose of countering the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections. "INDIA was formed specifically for the Lok Sabha elections to halt the BJP's march. Its significance has diminished now, and the current bickering between the Congress and AAP is not unexpected," Yadav stated, further underscoring the lack of coordination within the coalition.
Bitter AAP-Congress Rivalry Dominates Delhi Elections
The feud between AAP and the Congress has reached a fever pitch in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5. Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal has dismissed the INDIA alliance's relevance to the state polls, framing the contest as a direct showdown between AAP and the BJP. “This election is not about the INDIA alliance. It is a BJP versus AAP contest,” Kejriwal declared, taking a dig at the Congress.
Last month, tensions boiled over when Kejriwal threatened to consult other INDIA bloc partners to explore removing Congress from the alliance. His ire was sparked by the Congress lodging a formal complaint against him, accusing AAP of misleading voters with promises of “non-existent” welfare schemes. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused the Congress of indirectly aiding the BJP, further intensifying the acrimony. “The Congress is working to help the BJP in Delhi,” she alleged, adding to the perception of a widening rift between the two key opposition parties.
Alliance Partners Distance Themselves
The INDIA bloc’s unity has taken another hit with key partners like Shiv Sena (UBT), the Samajwadi Party, and the Trinamool Congress openly backing AAP in the Delhi elections. This public endorsement of AAP has left the Congress politically isolated, fueling doubts about the bloc's cohesion and raising questions about its ability to function as a united opposition in the long term.
The situation is particularly striking given the bloc’s brief period of collaboration during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where it presented a united front against the BJP. However, the alliance’s inability to win a single seat in Delhi during those elections highlighted its challenges in achieving electoral success, even when working together.
Calls for Reassessment
The ongoing discord has prompted Abdullah and other leaders to demand a reassessment of the alliance’s purpose and future. “We must meet after the Delhi elections and decide whether we want to continue as an alliance. If we cannot resolve these issues, there is no point in continuing,” Abdullah asserted. His comments reflect growing frustration within the bloc over its lack of strategic planning and inability to manage competing interests among member parties.
Future Implications
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, the INDIA bloc faces a critical test. Its internal divisions not only undermine its credibility as a viable alternative to the BJP but also raise broader concerns about its capacity to present a unified vision for the country. Abdullah’s call for clarity and cooperation, coupled with the ongoing tensions between AAP and Congress, underscores the challenges of maintaining a coalition built on diverse and often conflicting political agendas.
Without immediate course correction, the INDIA bloc risks becoming a footnote in Indian politics—a temporary arrangement that failed to capitalize on its initial promise. Whether the alliance can navigate its internal conflicts and present a cohesive strategy for future elections remains to be seen, but the road ahead appears fraught with challenges. For now, the lack of unity and coordination within the bloc casts serious doubt on its ability to pose a meaningful challenge to the BJP’s dominance in the political landscape.
