Indian politics is buzzing with tension as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi publicly criticized Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati for her apparent reluctance to join the INDIA bloc. This reflects not only on the weakened position of the BSP but also on the strategies being employed by the Congress as it seeks to reclaim ground among Dalit voters.
Gandhi's recent remarks came as he sent clear signals to both the Dalit community as well as his current ally, the Samajwadi Party (SP). He suggested to Dalits living under the BSP’s influence, who may feel marginalized, to reconsider their support as the party seems to align closer to the ruling BJP.
According to data from past Lok Sabha elections, the BJP holds overwhelming dominance, managing to secure 62 seats with nearly half of the vote share (49.98%) during the 2019 polls, when the BSP and the SP contested together. The BSP alone won 10 seats with 19.43% of the vote share, illustrating the significant support it commands. The Congress, unfortunately, only pocketed one seat with just 6.36%. Yet, as we approach the 2024 elections, there is potential for renewed alliances to shift the balance.
Gandhi emphasized the need for collaboration during these important times, referencing past opportunities where discussions for alliance with Mayawati went unmet, stating, "The CBI, ED, Pegasus… but today Mayawati is saying she will not fight for [the Dalit] voice." His criticisms indicate he believes Mayawati has failed to stand against the BJP effectively.
Mayawati, not taking kindly to Gandhi's comments, retorted by questioning Congress's own commitment, telling him to “look within.” She pointed out their lack of significant performance during the Delhi Assembly elections, where lack of collaboration resulted widely attributed to the Congress being seen as the BJP’s ‘B team.’
Gandhi’s commentary on Mayawati arrived shortly after SP’s Ram Gopal Yadav reaffirmed the party's commitment to stand apart from the BSP, urging Congress to pick between the two. Despite numerical advantages on paper of joining together—47.27% to BJP’s 41.29%—the parties remain at odds.
On another front, Shashi Tharoor’s encounter with Gandhi has raised eyebrows. Though maintaining an “all is well” stance, sources suggest Tharoor expressed his deep-seated frustrations about being sidelined within the Congress hierarchy. They reportedly had extensive discussions about his future role, especially heading toward the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for 2026.
Tharoor’s concerns grew from his discontent with being excluded from important parliamentary debates and political decisions, which he brought up during his meeting with Gandhi. He stated, "I have never made any complaint against anyone," reflecting perhaps his cautious navigation of internal party politics.
This meeting followed his controversial praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership during the U.S. visit, which did not sit well with the Kerala Congress. Tharoor’s comments had been sharply criticized as they deviated from the congress's normal narrative against Modi, creating tension among party members.
Gandhi acknowledges the internal rifts negative perceptions could potentially create as both he and Tharoor navigate through these muddy political waters. There appears to be no immediate path to address Tharoor’s aspirations for leadership within the state, with Gandhi’s answers lacking clarity, especially surrounding his candidacy for Chief Minister of Kerala.
With these developments, the Congress party must carefully manage both the external threats posed by the BJP and the internal dynamics of its party members. The 2024 election is shaping up to be pivotal for not just the party's future but for its long-standing relations with constituents and allies alike.
Overall, as tensions rise among political leaders and the electorate, the need for unity against the BJP’s stronghold becomes increasingly apparent. While Gandhi and Tharoor’s discussions reflect significant party disagreements, they also reinforce the urgency with which the Congress must approach upcoming elections.