Ministers in huddle; SIR has become a common meeting point to bring the bloc back together despite differences, at times contradictory, opinions on some issues for example Gandhi’s recent remarks equating the RSS and the CPI(M) which sparked unease within the INDIA bloc.
For the first time since the Narendra Modi Government returned in its 3.0 avatar, INDIA bloc partners believe they have a concrete common agenda in the form of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar to take on the PM and the ruling side BJP-led NDA.
On Thursday (August 7), India bloc leaders will meet at the residence of Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. They are also planning to take out a protest march to the office of the Election Commission of India on August 8 against the SIR, according to sources in know of developments
Observers say politically it is an opportune moment for the opposition to target the Modi Government given its collective agreement against the way voters’ revision is being done in Bihar. They have been meeting for Parliament floor strategy meetings on this issue but by bringing the protest on streets, they expect a wider traction.
For regional parties having substantial Non-Hindu voters’ base like TMC, Samajwadi Party and DMK, it is a matter of survival. Assembly elections are due in respective states, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu next year and what better way to create buzz than an issue with great polarizing potential.
The SIR has become a common meeting point to bring the bloc back together despite differences, at times contradictory, opinions on some issues for example Gandhi’s recent remarks equating the RSS and the CPI(M) which sparked unease within the INDIA bloc. Left leaders raised the issue during the alliance’s virtual meeting according to sources, warning that such statements could send the wrong message to cadres on the ground.
Recently Gandhi said in Kerala that he was fighting both the RSS and the CPI(M) ideologically, but his main complaint against them is their lack of “feelings” for the people.
Meanwhile, top leadership of the majority of the INDIA bloc partners are expected to be present at the dinner at Gandhi’s residence and the protest march the following day.
The Aam Aadmi Party, which has declared that it is not part of the bloc anymore, is expected to skip both events, but they will continue to support the agitation against the SIR inside the Parliament. Their issue is separate, they are Congress’ rivals in Punjab and don’t want to confuse voters.
