In the aftermath of Congress’ electoral catastrophe in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, Mamata Banerjee, the shrewd Chief Minister of West Bengal and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, orchestrated a political bombshell at the recent Opposition meeting on December 19. Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of New Delhi and national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), quickly seconded her strategic suggestion that Mallikarjun Kharge serves as the potential face of the Opposition alliance.
Yet, this wasn’t a spontaneous eruption of political unity, it was a meticulously planned move to shift the narrative away from the Congress party’s fumbling leadership. The deafening silence from Sonia and Rahul Gandhi during the meeting spoke volumes, revealing the internal strife within the Congress ranks. Banerjee’s proposal, emerging after a closed-door rendezvous with Kejriwal in Delhi, signifies a revolt against the entrenched dominance of the Gandhi family. It’s a calculated risk to prevent Gandhis from dominating the spotlight and overshadowing the Opposition’s chosen face.
Make no mistake; this was a premeditated chess move to expose the Gandhis’ vulnerability. The proposition is a tactical masterstroke, signalling that parties like TMC and AAP refuse to play second fiddle to dynastic politics. It challenges the Gandhis to either relinquish control or risk losing the limelight to a more capable leader. The political battleground is ablaze, and Banerjee’s strategic gambit has thrown down the gauntlet for a new era in Opposition politics.
Nothing is well-settled and easy in politics, it is complex. That is why a critical look into several important aspects in this regard is necessary.
In a strategic move that reflects a commitment to unity and electability, Banerjee and Kejriwal have proposed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as the face of the Opposition alliance – the INDIA bloc. This decision is grounded in several pragmatic considerations that go beyond political posturing. Kharge’s acceptance as a potential prime ministerial candidate has its roots in his lengthy political career, which has been characterised by reason and inclusivity. His leadership of the Congress, the largest party in the alliance, is crucial for maintaining coherence. Unlike the historically unstable United Front, led by HD Deve Gowda and IK Gujral, the INDIA bloc recognises the need for a stable coalition under a leader from the largest party.
Kharge’s acceptability extends beyond party lines, making him the most viable option for the diverse constituents of the alliance. While Rahul Gandhi remains popular within the Congress, his broader acceptance is questioned. Kharge’s consensus-building abilities, demonstrated in his support for the AAP, contribute to his credibility. His inspiring rise from a Dalit family adds a transformative dimension to his candidacy. His commitment to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideals aligns well with the growing sentiment for social justice.
If elected, Kharge would make history as India’s first Dalit Prime Minister, a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape. His multilingualism, fluency in key languages, and Karnataka roots make him a strategic choice in a crucial swing state for the 2024 elections. His relentless work ethic contrasts with perceptions of unapproachability associated with the Gandhi family, adding a refreshing dynamic to the Congress leadership. Kharge’s clear ideological foundation, blending Nehruvian and Ambedkarite politics, provides a robust counter to the BJP’s Hindutva narrative.
As the INDIA bloc prepares to face the electoral battle, the proposal of Mallikarjun Kharge reflects a pragmatic choice based on unity, acceptability, transformative leadership, and a commitment to inclusive politics.
The proposal of Kharge as the Opposition’s prime ministerial candidate by Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal is a shrewd strategic move, aiming to play the Dalit card as the potential trump card in the 2024 elections. As recent state polls in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh showed limited success for OBC and caste surveys, the focus on Kharge’s Dalit background introduces a transformative narrative. His inspiring ascent from a Dalit family in Karnataka’s Bidar is a testament to his resilience and dedication. His journey takes on a poignant dimension as a result of his tragic childhood, which included the loss of his mother and sister early in life.
Rising through the ranks, from student politics to becoming the president of India’s oldest political party, Kharge embodies the spirit of Babasaheb Ambedkar, enjoying support among Ambedkarite organisations.
With the recent failures of OBC and caste-based strategies in crucial states, the Opposition is banking on Mayawati’s potential backing to consolidate the Dalit vote. This move, if successful, could pose a significant challenge to the BJP’s dominance in Uttar Pradesh, potentially altering the political landscape of the Hindi heartland. The proposal of Kharge is not just a political move, it is a strategic shift towards a narrative that resonates deeply with the diversity and aspirations of the Indian electorate.
Banerjee and Kejriwal’s endorsement of Mallikarjun Kharge as the face of the Opposition alliance is not just a tactical move but a subtle message to the Gandhis. The underlying motive is clear: a rejection of the Gandhis’ perceived dominance within the Opposition. By putting forth Kharge’s name, Banerjee and Kejriwal have deftly sidelined the possibility of Rahul or Priyanka Gandhi leading the alliance, despite acknowledging the Congress’ pivotal role. The discomfort Rahul Gandhi faces as the PM is evident, with doubts about his charisma to challenge Modi and his junior status compared to regional leaders like Banerjee.
After the Congress’ lacklustre performance in recent polls, parties like TMC, AAP, and even JDU have asserted their capability to play a more substantial role in Opposition leadership. The proposal is a strategic reminder to the Gandhis that alliances will be formed on shared issues, not under the shadow of any one family. Sources indicate that 12 out of 26 parties have supported Kharge’s nomination, emphasising a collective stance. Kharge’s own assertion that he will prioritise winning the 2024 elections over choosing a PM further underscores the pragmatic approach of the Opposition. The proposal serves as a nuanced message to the Gandhis, urging them to recognise the evolving dynamics and collaborate on common ground rather than relying on historical precedence.
In the intricate tapestry of Congress politics, the notion that Kharge could emerge as the face of the Opposition alliance is a proposition shrouded in scepticism, an idea that the venerable party is unlikely to endorse. There is no room for speculation; it is an open secret that the Congress, staunchly guarded by the Gandhi family, will not readily cede the pivotal role of the Opposition’s prime ministerial face to Kharge.
It is imperative to traverse the corridors of recent history, recalling that Kharge’s ascendancy to the presidency of the Congress party was not the Gandhis’ initial design. The family’s gaze was fixed, albeit momentarily, on the seasoned Ashok Gehlot, the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan. However, the tumultuous political landscape of Rajasthan thwarted Gehlot’s electoral ambitions, and Kharge stepped into the breach. Loyalty, a hallmark of Kharge’s political persona, is undeniably directed towards the Gandhis, yet a nuanced truth prevails – his independence of voice.
Leaders like PV Narasimha Rao, who became prime minister without having any familial ties, serve as examples of the Gandhis-only rule exceptions in the tapestry of Congress history. However, these exceptions faced a frosty reception within the Congress ecosystem. Mani Shankar Aiyar, an ardent loyalist of the Gandhi family, cast Rao as a BJP Prime Minister in his revealing memoir, ‘Memoirs of a Maverick’. The aftermath of Rao’s demise witnessed an unprecedented snub from Sonia Gandhi, who forbade his mortal remains from gracing the hallowed halls of the AICC headquarters.
The very notion of an outsider assuming the leadership mantle, especially in the lead-up to a critical electoral test, poses a profound challenge to the fundamental narrative of the Gandhis. Their image, intricately woven into the fabric of the Congress’ identity, stands as an indelible symbol of the party’s ethos. Any attempt to project Kharge as the face of the prime minister risks not only diluting but potentially fracturing the loyal foundation upon which the party stands. The core narrative, steadfastly guarded by the Gandhis, is a bedrock that has withstood the test of time, and its replacement cannot be envisaged without unsettling the very essence of the Congress’ historical identity.
The prospect of Kharge helming the Opposition alliance carries with it the weighty realisation that steering him as prime minister may not be as facile as past Congress leaders. Gone are the days when the remote control of governance could effortlessly be wielded, as exemplified during the tenure of Dr Manmohan Singh. Kharge’s legacy of independent thought and action signals a paradigm shift, one that the Gandhis may find challenging to navigate.
Simultaneously, the Congress, in its quest for political resurgence, is orchestrating the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ under the aegis of Rahul Gandhi. The dynamic leader’s ascension to the forefront is a calculated move to reclaim the limelight and reassert the prominence of the Gandhi family. If Kharge were to emerge as the face of the Opposition, the strategic focus on Rahul Gandhi and the ongoing yatra could be eclipsed, risking the dilution of the family’s political narrative.
In the delicate dance of power and loyalty, the Congress will only accord its imprimatur to Kharge if the Opposition alliance triumphs on multiple fronts. The Gandhis, custodians of the party’s legacy, will not hastily relinquish their centrality. The intricate interplay of politics demands a careful calibration, where loyalty to the family converges with strategic considerations and where the elusive victory becomes the ultimate arbiter of Kharge’s political destiny.
The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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