The Congress party finds itself in a difficult position after remarks by senior leaders Shashi Tharoor and P. Chidambaram have provided fresh ammunition for the BJP to target the opposition.
Chidambaram’s Reality Check on INDIA Bloc
During a book launch event in Delhi, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram expressed doubts about the future of the INDIA bloc, stating that the alliance appears frayed at the seams. His remarks have led to a political storm, with the BJP using them to question Congress’s ability to lead the opposition.
Tharoor’s Praise for Modi’s Policies
The controversy follows Shashi Tharoor’s recent statements, where he praised certain policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the India-Pakistan standoff. The Congress party was quick to distance itself from Tharoor’s views, with Jairam Ramesh clarifying that they were personal opinions and not the official stance of the party.
BJP’s Political Offensive
The BJP has capitalized on these developments, labeling the INDIA bloc as a “greed-driven coalition” and an “opportunistic alliance”. Several BJP leaders have pointed to Congress’s internal divisions, arguing that the party is struggling to maintain unity within the opposition.
Congress Leaders Respond
Congress leader Udit Raj has urged Chidambaram to engage in grassroots dialogues rather than publicly questioning the alliance’s future. Meanwhile, party insiders suggest that Tharoor’s remarks have caused displeasure within the leadership, though he has dismissed reports of internal tensions as media speculation.
Implications for the Opposition
With the 2025 elections approaching, the Congress party faces the challenge of managing internal dissent while countering BJP’s aggressive political narrative. The INDIA bloc, launched with high expectations, now finds itself under scrutiny, raising questions about its long-term viability.
