The meeting of 26 Opposition parties in Bengaluru has, quite literally, spelled out a challenge for the BJP. Named the “Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance”, it will be known by its acronym INDIA. Whether this is clever or too clever by half, one thing is clear: in the bitterly contested run-up to 2024, the UPA’s cast of characters need a more vibrant script rather than a mere tweak in title. Significantly, the Bengaluru 26 has underlined “inclusive” in its name when the BJP has arguably succeeded in making “inclusiveness” a defensive political stance, by drawing a connection with the politics of appeasement. And when the Opposition shirks clear positions on divisive issues. The fact that the parties which grew from 16 in Patna to 26 in Bengaluru have pledged to meet again in Mumbai is meant to signal a gathering momentum. As is the suggestion of continuity and promise of institutionalisation in the form of the 11-member coordination committee. Having said that, however, the Bengaluru meet, for now, has drawn attention primarily to the challenges the Opposition faces, rather than those it is likely to pose for the BJP.
That is not all. What these 26 parties must also work towards is a positive and affirmative imagination of the political alternative. Naming themselves after the nation will be seen as yet another self-serving ploy unless the coalition spells out how it will work towards facing the challenges ahead, and solving the problems the country faces, from the shrinking of job opportunities to the ferment in Manipur. They also need to make it clear that they are not ducking the dynast-corruption charge but, instead, are making efforts to clean their stables. From Patna to Bengaluru may be a step forward but Mumbai onwards, if it wants to play this game right, a united Opposition will have to start lengthening its stride. A weak Opposition, by any name, will remain a weak Opposition.
