Opposition Failed On Four Major Occasions To Put Pressure On Modi Government, Says Prashant Kishor
In an exclusive interaction with NDTV, the political strategist said that the opposition has not been able to offer any credible face, narrative, or alternative to the public.
The opposition had at least four major chances to mount pressure on Modi government but failed to do so, according to political strategist Prashant Kishor. In an exclusive interview with NDTV Network's Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia, he said that it is important to have a strong opposition to keep any incumbent in check.
Kishor also had a word of advice for the Modi led government. He said that election victors should never undermine public distress. "Rural distress, inequality and unemployment are three escalating issues in India presently, and they have the potential to pose a significant challenge to the government," Kishor explained.
Opposition's Lost Opportunities
Kishor pointed out four significant missed opportunities by the opposition. First, the Congress-led opposition had a 15-month window after the 2014 election to make a comeback, particularly following the BJP's loss in Bihar, according to the political analyst. "BJP was still finding its feet at the centre at that time, but the opposition did not use this period well." he explained.
The second time was during demonetisation. The opposition failed to capture the public's anger which arose after the hardships the common man had to face after Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were made illegal tender in 2016.
The third significant opportunity arose during the second wave of COVID-19, which coincided with the West Bengal elections. Many a lives were lost during this period of the pandemic but the the opposition again failed to put pressure on the ruling Modi government.
Moreover, the INDIA alliance failed to click after making the alliance announcement, Kishor said. "The alliance did nothing on-ground for four months after formation."
"Congress had been confident of winning the state elections in December, but their own alliance was put on hold for almost six months. By the time the opposition became active in February, it was too late," he said.
Kishor says that the Indian electorate has not been assured by the opposition as no credible face has been offered. Additionally, the narrative has been lacklustre which has made the disappointed voters ask, "Samne Hai Kaun?" (Who else is there?).
