The strength of the brand Modi in the BJP’s success in the five state assembly elections has added to the problems of regional parties. The ruling regional parties, which generally have good relations with the central government, are now beginning to feel threatened by the BJP. In such a situation, the regional parties can stand together with the national level opposition parties for the nationwide expansion strategy of the BJP. It can start with Parliament, where the opposition can directly attack Modi.
A prominent leader of the opposition has said that the weak role of the main opposition party at the national level is adding to the problems. On the other hand, BJP is continuously moving ahead keeping Modi at the center. Apart from the national level, Modi has an important contribution in the success of the BJP in the states as well. In such a situation, instead of BJP, the fight is being fought directly with Modi. This leader said that some leaders are trying to unite the opposition, but it is not right to come forward till things are not clear. Even if there is no solidarity, then one should not expose his weakness.
BJP has 12 chief ministers, only two states with Congress
The biggest front is the Lok Sabha elections to be held after two years, for which the opposition has very limited options. On the other hand, in 12 states, the BJP has its own Chief Minister, while in five states it is in government with its coalition NDA. So he doesn’t seem to be facing any major challenges. The Congress has two governments of its own and is in power with its allies in three states. Governments of other parties are functioning in eight states. These include the Aam Aadmi Party, which came to power recently in Punjab and the Left coalition government in Kerala.
Parliament has to start
Opposition MPs believe that the BJP cannot be competed with by fighting different battles in different states. For this, a fight will have to be started with the Parliament. Here the opposition has an effective leader and when they unite and open a front against Prime Minister Modi and the central government, it will have a different message. This will increase the morale of the workers and the voice will reach the public effectively, but for this only the largest party will have to take the initiative.
effective leader of opposition
The opposition has no shortage of leaders in Parliament. Apart from Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, vocal leaders like TR Balu, Akhilesh Akhilesh Yadav, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Mahua Moitra, Dayanidhi Maran, Farooq Abdullah are present in the Lok Sabha. Shatrughan Sinha may also come to the Lok Sabha after the by-elections to be held next month. In such a situation, the number of vocal speakers of the opposition camp will increase further.
changing picture
The role of regional parties in Indian politics has always been important. Barring a few occasions, regional party governments have had good relations with the Centre. In fact, regional parties generally keep good relations with the party in power at the center regarding the development of the state and central assistance, but now the situation is changing. BJP is doing its national wide spread. Now that Congress is shrinking, it has to fight with regional parties. In such a situation, there is a BJP vs regional party contest in most of the states.
KCR’s campaign
The recent campaign by Telangana Chief Minister TRS leader K Chandrasekhar Rao against the BJP is also a sign of this. In Telangana too BJP has started spreading its feet. In West Bengal, the BJP has emerged as the biggest challenge before Mamta Banerjee. In Jharkhand and Orissa also, the governments there have to compete with the BJP. The BJP may be weak in Punjab now, but the Aam Aadmi Party, which came to power recently, may have to face the challenge of the BJP in future.