Ideology is secondary for most of the regional parties
Experience shows that the prospects of an ‘alternative political alliance’ against the BJP at the Centre are slim
not seem too bright. First, it was expected that the Bihar model of the Congress-rjd-jdu Mahagathbandhan, which could successfully defeat the BJP in the state polls in 2015, would be replicated at the national level. The Bihar model collapsed like a house of cards and it was once again proved that unlike the BJP and Congress, regional parties and leaders are practitioners of opportunistic politics. he BJP often talks about how the Second, the CPI(M) is intellectually, ideoparty’s success in elections is a great logically and politically equipped to under“ideological victory” and the clear stand that Indian politics is polarised between message is that politics is just a means the BJP and Congress. However, it is not to achieve the primary ideological goal of ready to form any alliance with the Congress establishing a unitary Hindu cultural nationto oppose the BJP. Third, Mamata Banerjee of state for India. The BJP differentiates itself Bengal, Naveen Patnaik of Odisha, KC Rao of from other political parties because it is comTelangana and a few others are making an mitted to pursue its own distinctive ideology. attempt to form a federal alliance of regional
The BJP’S main rival, the Congress, has its and sub-regional parties. On the basis of the own distinctive ideology of cultural pluralexperience of such opportunistic alliances, it ism, secularism and equal respect for linguiscan be unambiguously stated that this is a tic and religious diverse groups. The BJP has non-starter. recognised this and its leadership has Fourth, J&K CM and Peoples Democratic announced that its political goal is to create a Party leader Mehbooba Mufti had the option Congress-free India. However, at present, the to form a secular coalition government but Congress, on its own, cannot politically and she decided to form an alliance with the BJP. electorally compete against the BJP, which is The larger issue is that many regional leaders marching from Kashmir to the North-east. do not wish to alienate the party in power
The Congress can effectively challenge its because they expect favours from the Centre. main ideological opponent only if it can form Ideology in politics is secondary for these an alliance of like-minded parties committed regionalists because they look to the Centre to the goals of a democratic, secular, parliafor funds. Thus, it would be difficult for Sonia mentary, plural political system as mentioned Gandhi to form any firm alternative alliance in the Constitution. A few facts may be menagainst the BJP by mobilising a large number tioned to substantiate the argument that the of opportunist and unprincipled regionalists. prospects for the formation of an “alternative political alliance” to the formidable BJP do
TBaisakhi has many names. It is celebrated in different parts of the country in different ways and with different purposes. Farmers rejoice, and the Sikh community is proud. It is also the beginning of new year celebrations for the Bengali community. In Assam, the festivities commence with great pomp and show, smile and laughter.
This day also reminds us of the massive blood-shed at the Jallianwala Bagh where hundreds of innocent people were killed by