Is Congress’ Presence Mandatory for Opposition’s Grand Alliance?

SP and BSP not joining hands with Congress in the upcoming state elections is an alarming situation.

While the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) might have dented the image of a “united Opposition” ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana, the decision of the two parties might have far bigger consequences than what meets the eye, vis-à-vis the 2019 General elections.

While all parties are now going through an existential crisis, SP and BSP not joining hands with the Congress has given the ruling BJP a big relief. The Congress, on the other hand, is looking to compromise and not sacrifice.

In an ordinary scenario, Opposition parties fighting independently won’t come as a surprise. But is the current scenario in the country ordinary at all?