Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has sparked intense political debate after admitting doubts about the longevity and strength of the INDIA alliance, the opposition’s united front against the ruling BJP. His remarks came at the launch of the book ‘Contesting Democratic Deficit’, co-authored by fellow Congress leader Salman Khurshid.
“INDIA Bloc Seems Frail” — Chidambaram’s Candid Warning
Speaking at the event on Thursday in Delhi, Mr. Chidambaram openly questioned the cohesiveness of the INDIA bloc. NDTV reports he said, “The future is not so bright… It seems frail. It can be put together. There is still time.”
Although he expressed hope that the alliance could survive, he warned that without immediate action, the bloc risks falling apart — particularly as the countdown to the 2029 general election begins.
BJP’s Response: “Even Congress Knows They Have No Future”
The BJP was quick to seize on Chidambaram’s comments. Party spokespersons like Pradeep Bhandari and Rajeev Chandrasekhar shared excerpts from the speech, framing it as proof of Congress’ declining influence. “Even Rahul Gandhi’s aides know Congress has no future,” Bhandari said on X.
Chandrasekhar added, “The BJP is formidable because it believes in strong principles and has the support of most Indians.”
Chidambaram: “No Political Force as Organised as BJP”
Despite expressing optimism about unity, Chidambaram did not mince words about the challenge posed by the BJP. “There has been no political party so formidably organised as the BJP. In every department, it is formidable. It is not (just) another political party,” he warned.
His remarks underline growing concerns that unless opposition unity solidifies, the BJP could steamroll to a historic fourth consecutive victory in 2029.
Critical Poll Tests Before 2029
Chidambaram’s comments come as India heads into a series of state elections that could define national politics. Bihar will vote in late 2025, followed by West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in 2026, Uttar Pradesh in 2027, and Karnataka, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh in 2028.
These contests will determine whether the INDIA alliance can retain relevance, especially in states like Bengal and Tamil Nadu that have consistently resisted the BJP’s rise since 2014.
Past Fractures: Haryana Seat-Sharing Row
The Congress’ defeat in last year’s Haryana election — where it snubbed a seat-sharing proposal from the AAP — is still fresh in memory. The loss prompted criticism from allies like the RJD in Bihar. Read more on this here: Congress vs AAP in Haryana.
Salman Khurshid Defends INDIA Alliance Vision
At the book launch, co-author Salman Khurshid reiterated the importance of opposition unity, acknowledging that Congress had to “cede” its top position for the greater good of forming the alliance.
“We accepted that we need an alliance… but it should be a good one,” he said in an interview with ANI.
2029: A Battle for Indian Democracy?
Mr. Chidambaram concluded his speech with a sobering reminder — the 2029 election could either consolidate the BJP’s political dominance or revive India’s democratic vibrancy through stronger opposition forces.
Whether the INDIA alliance can regroup and survive may depend on what happens in the state polls leading up to the national showdown. But time, as he warned, is running out.
