Are we into 'India transformation and its challenges week' from Monday ? Modi is at centrestage, Does Rahul's 're-entry' help Opposition?

There is little to dispute. Narendra Modi is certainly at the centrestage. Now, does Rahul Gandhi's 're-entry' help the Opposition?

The politics of Rahul Gandhi revolves around the big challenge, is the grand old party still relevant -- after nine years out of power - and is it fighting fit vis-a-vis various pros and cons?

We are talking about the Congress leader whose party is still faced with multiple challenges and is desperate to get back its 'role and space' in national politics - especially in terms of the number of members it will have in the Lower House of Parliament. 

In 2014, the Congress tally had come down to an all time record low of 44. In 2019, it had increased to 52, and still it was below the mandatory one-tenth figure of the total strength of Lok Sabha. 

In the run up to the 2024 big battle of 2024, the Congress is important for opposition unity, but as everyone says, keeping the newly-minted 'Opposition unity' will be a great challenge in the next five-six months. 

Now, Rahul has the advantage of a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court, a convincing win in Karnataka and also that there is much appreciation for his Bharat Jodo Yatra. There is a fourth factor -- but that is in a negative paradigm as many regional partners of the Congress will prefer a weak Congress and a weaker Rahul Gandhi !

The argument is simple, all have their inherent contradictions in dealing with the Congress! What do we gain, and how much space should we offer to Congress in our states where we are strong and Congress hardly exists? 

Of course, the Manipur situation was the trigger, but the no-confidence motion and the voting on Aug 10 (Thursday) will bring into focus multiple issues --- which will put Congress against the Trinamool Congress for instance. During the debate, the BJP leaders will be expected to highlight Bengal violence and crime against women in Rajasthan. 

For his part, Prime Minister Modi and his colleagues will highlight developmental projects and the significance of success of Team Modi vis-a-vis foreign policy. There will be parties such as YSRCP, Biju Janata Dal and TDP --- three probable additional supporters to Modi's clarion call for his hat-trick.

Shah with BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik 

For the Opposition camp, handling AAP for the so-called 'opposition unity' is another complex challenge.

 The GNCTD Amendment Bill or Delhi services bill is already passed in Lok Sabha without division; and in probability will sail through Rajya Sabha as well.

The new law will virtually make 'elected Delhi chief minister' play second fiddle to Centre-appointed Lt Governor and others. The Opposition argument will be that the new Act will overturn the principle of federal structure, but the Congress has issues as leaders like Sandeep Dikshit have openly backed the Bill. Even other leaders like Ajay Maken may have to spell out their mind more clearly. 

Only a helpless Rahul Gandhi will have to do the tightrope walk both in Delhi and in states like West Bengal. 

Then comes the much more perplexing issues of corruption and pending cases. Although a common refrain is that the ED and CBI are being abused; the voters may still welcome concrete actions against top Netas on the issue of corruption.

The voters may buy the BJP fan club's line --- "Come what may, Modi is personally clean and all those who are corrupt have to face the law".

 

 Rahul Gandhi and his party must be excited about the Supreme Court verdict on August 4; but there are many cases against him. In some he has been granted bail; while it must be noted that few cases are against him in BJP-ruled states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Assam.  

"Bakre ki amma kab tak kher manaygi (A sacrificial got cannot go scot-free for long)", - tweeted BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya; and such missives do not without good reasons and good backing.

ends