Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The Congress faces significant stakes considering the broader context of how the INDIA bloc has constructed its narrative to counter Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious ‘400 paar’ initiative in the Lok Sabha. As the grand old party endeavors to rejuvenate its significance in the country ahead of the 2024 elections, other opposition factions grapple with internal conflicts or focus on damage control efforts.
Thackeray vs Thackeray
Years ago, during an assembly election in Maharashtra, both the Congress-NCP and the BJP-Shiv Sena alliances were poised to take control of the state. The political landscape was charged with intense backchannel negotiations, midnight discussions, and surveillance of MLAs. Amidst this fervor, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, an avid wildlife enthusiast, retreated to a national park with his camera, only to find his adjacent room occupied by his arch-rival, Uddhav Thackeray.
In 2019, Uddhav Thackeray, the youngest son of Balasaheb Thackeray, severed ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and allied with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The formidable ‘Thackeray’ brand, which still wields considerable influence in Mumbai and across Maharashtra, compelled the BJP to reassess its alliance strategy in the state.
Subsequently, the Shiv Sena experienced a split, with the Election Commission granting the original name and symbol to the faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, Uddhav retained the coveted ‘Thackeray’ legacy.
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In a bid to counter Uddhav’s association with the ‘Thackeray’ legacy, the BJP is engaging in discussions with Balasaheb’s nephew, Raj Thackeray, who leads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Despite Raj’s proficiency as a cartoonist like Balasaheb, his political career outside the Sena fold has been lackluster thus far.
Uddhav remarked, “The BJP is well aware that they do not secure votes solely in the name of PM Narendra Modi in Maharashtra. Here, people cast their votes in the name of (Bal) Thackeray. This realization has prompted the BJP to attempt to attract leaders from outside its ranks.”
Last week, Uddhav surprised many by offering a Lok Sabha seat to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. However, Gadkari, who has been renominated from Nagpur, responded unfavorably to the offer, labeling Uddhav’s actions as immature.
Congress Working Committee hailed 25 guarantees
Despite predictions from poll pundits and opinion polls writing off the Congress in the upcoming election, the party remains optimistic about its chances of returning to power, even amidst doubts about retaining previously won seats.
During the last Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting before the elections, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge conveyed to party leaders that Prime Minister Modi’s assurances would meet a fate similar to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government’s ‘India Shining’ campaign in 2004.
The ‘India Shining’ slogan, a cornerstone of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government’s election campaign in 2004, failed to resonate with the discontent prevalent on the ground, resulting in Vajpayee’s electoral defeat. Kharge’s remarks hold significance as ‘Modi’s guarantees’ serve as a crucial plank for the ruling BJP in the current election.
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In addition, the CWC authorized Kharge to finalize the party manifesto, which will emphasize 25 guarantees for youth, women, farmers, laborers, and social justice.
EC removes second DGP in West Bengal
Ahead of the campaign season in West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress is facing challenges on multiple fronts. The Election Commission’s recent decisions have added to the turmoil within the state.
The Election Commission replaced two Director Generals of Police (DGPs) in West Bengal within two days. Sanjay Mukherjee took over from Vivek Sahay, who was serving as the Director General (Home Guard) and was appointed as the new DGP. This change occurred after Rajeev Kumar, appointed by the state government in December last year, was removed from the post by the ECI.
The Election Commission’s actions also extended beyond West Bengal, as it removed or transferred the DGP of West Bengal, as well as the home secretaries of six states and the head of the Mumbai corporation. This move was part of the ECI’s efforts to ensure free and fair elections. ECI officials cited concerns that the transferred officers were holding dual charges, including one in the office of the chief minister, which could potentially compromise the impartiality and neutrality required during the electoral process.
In addition, TMC’s former MP Mahua Moitra is facing mounting trouble. While she has been nominated to contest the 2024 election, the Lokpal, the country’s anti-corruption watchdog, has ordered a formal Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against her in connection with cash-for-query charges. The Lokpal stated that there is sufficient prima facie evidence against Moitra on record that warrants deeper scrutiny.
