Opposition Unity In India Is A Mirage

India

Markandey Katju

Even if an opposition unity is formed, it will just be a a multi headed hydra

Mamata Banerjee has called for Opposition unity.

Earlier, a meeting had been held for this purpose in Sharad Pawar’s residence, attended by several Opposition parties (but not Congress), though it was claimed to be non political.

The test of every political activity and political system is one, and only one: does it raise the standard of living of the people? Does it give them better lives?

Assuming such an opposition unity is forged, what will be its agenda (apart from ousting BJP from power in the 2024 parliamentary elections)?

Have these parties any idea how to resolve the basic problems of the Indian people–massive poverty, record and rising unemployment, appalling level of child malnourishment (almost 50% according to Global Hunger Index) and women’s anaemia (almost 50%), almost total lack of proper healthcare and good education for the masses, widespread farmers distress (between 3.5 and 4 lac farmers have committed suicide in the last 25 years), widespread corruption, skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs and fuel, etc?

I am no supporter of the BJP, but would like to ask the Opposition parties this question. Do they have any programme for solving these problems, or is it just a lust for power and pelf ?

The experience of the Janta Party (which was an alliance of opposition parties) formed after the Emergency in 1977 was not a happy one. The constituents of the Janta party kept fighting each other, until it collapsed at the end of 1979.

Even if such an Opposition unity is forged, and even if it comes to power in the Centre in 2024, will there not be a mad scramble for lucrative portfolios like finance, industry, commerce and home, as was witnessed in Karnataka after the 2018 state assembly results when there was a fierce tussle between the Congress and the JD(S) over this issue which delayed formation of a government.

And will they not be fighting each other even thereafter? After all, these parties are not here to do ‘samaj seva’.

I fear that even if an opposition unity is formed, it will just be a collection of ‘saanp, bichchu and gojars‘, a multi headed hydra, with nothing in common, which will not be of any good to the Indian masses in their lives, and cannot last long.

Also Read:

Very human to curse the dead

Congress in a self destructive mode

Watch video:

Markandey Katju

Justice Markandey Katju is former Judge, Supreme Court of India and former Chairman, Press Council of India.

Disclaimer : PunjabTodayTV.com and other platforms of the Punjab Today group strive to include views and opinions from across the entire spectrum, but by no means do we agree with everything we publish. Our efforts and editorial choices consistently underscore our authors’ right to the freedom of speech. However, it should be clear to all readers that individual authors are responsible for the information, ideas or opinions in their articles, and very often, these do not reflect the views of PunjabTodayTV.com or other platforms of the group. Punjab Today does not assume any responsibility or liability for the views of authors whose work appears here.

Punjab Today believes in serious, engaging, narrative journalism at a time when mainstream media houses seem to have given up on long-form writing and news television has blurred or altogether erased the lines between news and slapstick entertainment. We at Punjab Today believe that readers such as yourself appreciate cerebral journalism, and would like you to hold us against the best international industry standards. Brickbats are welcome even more than bouquets, though an occasional pat on the back is always encouraging. Good journalism can be a lifeline in these uncertain times worldwide. You can support us in myriad ways. To begin with, by spreading word about us and forwarding this reportage. Stay engaged.

— Team PT