The Lok Sabha polls are around the corner making the summer of 2024 hotter than usual. As the electoral ball sets rolling, it will be a test for the ruling as well as the opposition to secure the numero uno spot.
The Lok Sabha polls are around the corner making the summer of 2024 hotter than usual. As the electoral ball sets rolling, it will be a test for the ruling as well as the opposition to secure the numero uno spot.
Political pundits have often mentioned that was due to the to the internal clash of the titans over ideological differences, selfish ambitions, and the hollow thirst for power, because similar gatbandhans have been formed in the past as well and didn’t work either then.
At the beginning, those who considered themselves as the saviors of democracy hailed the I.N.D.I.A as the sole torch bearer of hope. The only noodle that has tied the coalition together is the sole objective: wrest power from the hands of the incumbent Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and his ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) & its alliance NDA. Showing solidarity in their aversion for Modi and his style of leadership and the way his policies have brought
results, the alliance has their ever evaluated (and failed) agenda – a ray of hope to redefine the path of India’s progress. However,under this cloak of solidarity lies the filth of slyness and self-interest waiting to unravel.
The seeds of discord were sown early on as ideological differences simmered beneath the surface. While some parties advocated for progressive reforms and inclusive policies, others clung stubbornly to outdated ideologies rooted in caste, creed, and religion.
The clash between progressive and regressive forces within the alliance created a rift that widened with each passing day. As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, the alliance has found itself embroiled in bitter negotiations over seat sharing. Each party clamored for a larger share of the electoral pie, driven not by a genuine desire to serve the people, but by a lust for power and prestige. Backroom deals and political maneuvering have become the norm as leaders jockeyed for position, betraying the very principles they claimed to uphold.
Since 2019, the BJP-led NDA has seen two major transformations. Following the end of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
Elections in late 2019, the Shiv Sena (SS) changed sides and joined the UPA.
The SS divided into two groups with 18 MPs on its first list; the dominant bloc is now with the NDA. Additionally, the pro-Hindutva cadre voters of the Shiv Sena provide the Eknath Shinde-led wing of the SSan advantage over Uddhav Thackery. Second one being, the Janata Dal (United) leaving the NDA fold in the middle of 2022, and its leader Nitish Kumar teamed up with the RJD, its bitter foe, to create the government. Noteworthy is the fact that Nitish Kumar had openly criticized RJD leader in July 2017.
In the words of Niccolò Machiavelli, “Politics have no relation to morals.” This sentiment resonated deeply within the halls of power as leaders abandoned their lofty ideals in pursuit of personal gain. Amidst the chaos, the voice of the people was drowned out, relegated to the sidelines as politicians pursued their selfish agendas with reckless abandon. Parties like the Janata Dal (Secular), Bharata Rashtra Samiti, Bahujan Samaj Party, Biju Janata Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal, and YSR Congress were not invited to the Patna convention. Additionally, a lot of the participants at both summits have been at odds with one another in their home states. The Aam Aadmi Party’s request that the Congress explain its position on the Center’s ordinance during the June 23
meeting revealed the uneasiness that existed between the two parties. Though now they have almost formed an alliance for the 7 Delhi Lok Sabha seats!
Modi Ki Guarantee!
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been watching all these from the sidelines, his grip on power, tightening with each passing day.
While the I.N.D.I. Alliance bickered and fought amongst themselves, he has consolidated his hold over the electorate, promising stability, and security in tumultuous times with Modi Ki Guarantee!
His charisma and populist rhetoric struck a chord with the masses, blinding them to the shortcomings of his administration.
As the general elections near, the Alliance has disintegrated like as sack of potatoes with it being a mere shadow of its former self. The once lofty ambition of unseating Modi now seemed like a distant dream, shattered by the very forces it sought to oppose. In the end, it was not Modi who brought about the downfall of the alliance, but the hollow ambition and moral bankruptcy of its own members. Yet amidst the chaos and despair, a glimmer of hope remains—a reminder that true change begins not in the corridors of power, but in the hearts and minds of the people. As disillusioned citizens turned their gaze away from the empty promises of politicians and towards the
power of grassroots movements and community action, a new chapter in India’s story has begun to unfold— one built not on hollow ambition, but on genuine empathy and solidarity
The downfall of the alliance
In the aftermath of the election, as the dust settles, it will be evident that the I.N.D.I. Alliance had failed not only in its mission to defeat Modi but also in its duty to serve the people. The nation languished in stagnation, trapped in a cycle of political infighting and corruption. India is yet to go to polls for the general elections of 2024, however the tussle for power marred with fractures within the I.N.D.I. Alliance had already exposed its hollow ambition and the self-serving agendas of its members. As the nation braced itself for the electoral battle ahead, the lessons learned from the downfall of the alliance served as a sobering reminder of the pitfalls of political opportunism and the importance of staying true to the values of integrity and service.
At this rate, by the time the 18th Lok Sabha sets into motion, Gandhiji’s words, “In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place,” will hold true. These words redefine that leading the masses does not equate to wielding power, but about serving the people with honesty and integrity. Only then can the hollow ambition of political alliances be replaced with a genuine commitment to the welfare of the nation and its people.
With these thoughts in mind, it is imperative for the citizens to critically evaluate the actions and motivations of their political leaders. The I.N.D.I. Alliance serves as a cautionary tale—a stark reminder of the dangers of placing blind trust in political entities driven by self-interest and ambition.
With these thoughts in mind, it is imperative for the citizens to critically evaluate the actions and motivations of their political leaders. The I.N.D.I. Alliance serves as a cautionary tale—a stark reminder of the dangers of placing blind trust in political entities driven by self-interest and ambition.
FAROOQ ABDULLAH (National Conference Chief & former Chief Minister of J&K) – had mentioned a couple of weeks ago that his party would be contesting the Lok Sabha elections on its own as the seat sharing didnt materialize!
As the country moves forward, it is essential to demand accountability, transparency, and integrity from those entrusted with power. For in the absence of these values, the hollow ambitions of political alliances will continue to undermine the fabric of democracy and the well-being of the nation.
By delving deeper into the intricacies of the I.N.D.I. Alliance’s downfall, we uncover not only the flaws within the alliance itself but also the broader issues plaguing Indian politics. It is a sobering reminder that the pursuit of power and prestige often comes at the expense of the greater good, leaving behind a trail of broken promises and shattered dreams. As we reflect on the lessons learned, let us strive to build a future where integrity, empathy, and solidarity reign supreme—a future where the hollow ambitions of political alliances become outdated.
Author : Rohan Ravindra Ambike
IT Professional who excels in Freelance Journalism & Translation and has his by lines in leading publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics from Fergusson College and a PG Diploma in Journalism from Ranade Institute, Pune.
Email: [email protected]
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