A safe assumption could now be that the Modi government is in a mind to advance the parliament polls, as is evident from the summoning of the special session of parliament and the term-end photo-shoot being arranged much in advance. This, for Modi, is the most opportune time to seek a fresh mandate as the Opposition remains fragmented despite the cobbling of a new alliance, that too with the old guards in the forefront. The revival of the plan to hold simultaneous parliament and assembly polls, as had been promised in the 2014 BJP- NDA manifesto, adds a new twist to the approaching Lok Sabha poll scenario. When a promise is made in the manifesto, a ruling alliance is duty-bound to implement it. But, as is its wont, the Modi establishment dragged its feet on this for two terms of parliament but revived the plan with the appointment of the nine-member Kovind-panel. The panel would chart out the modalities for such a sweeping change in the nation’s electoral landscape. Published opinion polls show there is overwhelming support from the masses for this push, though the still disjointed Opposition is not enthused at this. Fact is, the Opposition is still not prepared to face the polls. Their mood remains as sunk as ever, amply reflected also in their forced smiles and lack of energy for the photo-shoot at the end of the latest round of their confabulations in the western metropolis.
Bombast is no substitute to a hard sense of realism, as is evident also in the characteristic assertion from CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury. His claim at the end of the conclave was that a “shaky Modi government has reduced the price of cooking gas by 200 rupees by the time the ‘India’ alliance reached Mumbai.” This shows how these leaders live in a fool’s paradise. It is quite likely that Modi has begun sending olive branches to the electorate in the context of his plans to hold early parliament polls. But, nothing goes to show the BJP and Modi reckoned this alliance as a threat to them. Not yet. The NDA’s relevance today is more due to the lack of cohesion and strength of the ‘India’ alliance, at whose head are discredited politicians, not the young blood or an inspiring leadership. Rahul Gandhi could still be the best bet to lead the alliance but the rest of the greedy folk would rather keep him on the sidelines. Even the huge success of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo March failed to drill some sense into the heads of the old guard that he stands head and shoulders above them. Old is not necessarily gold.
