NEW DELHI: Staring at a political abyss in the face of continued decline post-2014 – hastened after 2019 – a flailing opposition came together to give itself the collective moniker ‘INDIA’, vowing to stick together and fight jointly. It enjoyed a surge in fortunes and gave the governing BJP alliance a scare in 2024.The INDIA bloc – stacked with competitive allies – managed to find a fomula that allowed members to back each other despite the odd flaring up of contradictions. It helped the bloc in Jharkhand and J&K last year though it failed to rescue them in Maharashtra where Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress came up rather as a squabbling team.Six Ways Nitish Kumar Proved ‘Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai’ As NDA Registers Big Win in Bihar Assembly PollsBihar was a crucial test for the opposition bloc. RJD, the lead player, was to take along Congress, Left and caste outfits to challenge the JDU-BJP combine. That it came a cropper is bound to raise questions for opposition as key contests await the INDIA bloc in Bengal and Tamil Nadu.TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has made it clear that Congress is too weak to offer any value in an alliance, repeating the 2024 line when the two contested as rivals despite being part of the same umbrella nationally.The immediate challenge for Congress is the Bengal dilemma – should it target Mamata or BJP. A crucial overlapping constituency between TMC and Congress is the large minority populace in Bengal – and it would present a serious conundrum for Congress, which has been quick to dismiss such “secular” rivals in other states as BJP’s “B-team”.Tamil Nadu is a curious case, too. While alliance is a settled subject, with Congress brass and DMK supremo M K Stalin being on “my brother” terms, local Congress is chafing at the ‘domineering’ attitude of ‘big brother’. Local Congress functionaries have been demanding that the terms of partnership be rewritten. And Congress argues that its 8% vote would be critical for DMK in case there’s an AIADMK-headed joint opposition.Some are already blaming Congress’s hard bargaining with RJD – as also vice versa – for delaying the campaign and joint strategy plan in Bihar. The party may have to return to “sacrifice” mode – as in 2024 – to help put the alliance back on track.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Bihar’s New MY Formula Is Mahila & Youth’: PM Modi Targets RJD-Congress After NDA’s Landslide Win‘Too Big To Fail’: South African Envoy On Trump’s G20 Boycott, Says PM Modi’s Presence Crucial‘Misa-Priyanka Ko Dickey Mein…’: Yashwant Deshmukh’s Message to RJD–Cong After NDA’s Bihar WinAir India Bombing Returns To Spotlight, CSIS Warns Canada Of New Extremist Networks And Rising RisksSix Ways Nitish Kumar Proved ‘Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai’ As NDA Registers Big Win in Bihar Assembly Polls‘Full Stop to Many Questions’ Chirag Paswan Hails PM Modi, Nitish as NDA Soars Past 200 SeatsKerala Teenager Dies in Dubai After Rooftop Fall While Trying To Take Photos of Low-Flying PlanesPakistan’s Costly Lobbying Blitz Won Access To Trump As India Faced The Harshest Tariffs, Claims NYTChilling Terror Attack Masterplan: How Medical Professionals Built A 5-Step Nationwide Bombing PlotBihar Assembly Poll Results: NDA Touches 200-Seat Lead, Congress Intensifies SIR, Vote Chori Attacks123Photostories5 easy exercises for building strong legs5 trending white gown designs for a traditional Christian weddingRed flags men ignore: 7 physical signs that may indicate fertility issuesTyping too long? 3 exercises for stiff and painful handsShah Rukh Khan closes the year powerful and proudEgg white versus egg yolk: Which one is healthier for breakfast7 dhaba-style dal preparations to try at home5 unique attractions in America that will make you say “I can’t believe this is real”!From BF Karan Kundrra wanting to marry her right after Bigg Boss to her near-fatal injury on Khatron Ke Khiladi: Tejasswi Prakash talks about life, career and loveSlow down aging naturally: 6 scientifically proven foods that work123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingLaMelo BallGiannis AntetokounmpoJoel EmbiidAidan HutchinsonNHL Trade RumorLatin GrammyDak PrescottBrazilian Bodybuilder Found DeadPercy HarvinStephen Curry
NEW DELHI: Staring at a political abyss in the face of continued decline post-2014 – hastened after 2019 – a flailing opposition came together to give itself the collective moniker ‘INDIA’, vowing to stick together and fight jointly. It enjoyed a surge in fortunes and gave the governing BJP alliance a scare in 2024.The INDIA bloc – stacked with competitive allies – managed to find a fomula that allowed members to back each other despite the odd flaring up of contradictions. It helped the bloc in Jharkhand and J&K last year though it failed to rescue them in Maharashtra where Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress came up rather as a squabbling team.
Bihar was a crucial test for the opposition bloc. RJD, the lead player, was to take along Congress, Left and caste outfits to challenge the JDU-BJP combine. That it came a cropper is bound to raise questions for opposition as key contests await the INDIA bloc in Bengal and Tamil Nadu.TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has made it clear that Congress is too weak to offer any value in an alliance, repeating the 2024 line when the two contested as rivals despite being part of the same umbrella nationally.The immediate challenge for Congress is the Bengal dilemma – should it target Mamata or BJP. A crucial overlapping constituency between TMC and Congress is the large minority populace in Bengal – and it would present a serious conundrum for Congress, which has been quick to dismiss such “secular” rivals in other states as BJP’s “B-team”.Tamil Nadu is a curious case, too. While alliance is a settled subject, with Congress brass and DMK supremo M K Stalin being on “my brother” terms, local Congress is chafing at the ‘domineering’ attitude of ‘big brother’. Local Congress functionaries have been demanding that the terms of partnership be rewritten. And Congress argues that its 8% vote would be critical for DMK in case there’s an AIADMK-headed joint opposition.Some are already blaming Congress’s hard bargaining with RJD – as also vice versa – for delaying the campaign and joint strategy plan in Bihar. The party may have to return to “sacrifice” mode – as in 2024 – to help put the alliance back on track.
