Shabu Zaidi
Today, before the 1.4 billion citizens of India, there are two major political alliances—one is the NDA and the other is the INDIA alliance. In terms of electoral strategy, organizational discipline, and clear leadership, the unity of the NDA is truly commendable. In whichever state elections are held, the constituent parties of the NDA are generally seen standing in line with a common strategy, seat-sharing arrangement, and message. That is why it appears more organized and effective in the electoral arena.
By contrast, although the name of the INDIA alliance sounds attractive, in practice its unity often appears weak. The constituent parties contesting separately in different states, opposing each other from public मंचs, and the lack of a common direction have emerged as the alliance’s biggest weaknesses. This sends a message to the public that the alliance has ideas, but lacks one leadership, one strategy, and true unity.
Even in recent elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, many parties within the INDIA alliance were seen pursuing their own political interests. If all the parties had contested with a common platform, common issues, and common leadership, the results could have been more effective. In politics, maintaining separate identities is not wrong, but for an alliance to succeed, a minimum level of shared consensus and discipline is essential.
The INDIA alliance should sit together, reduce its differences, and decide on a clear leadership under which all constituent parties can move forward in unity. If it learns something from the NDA’s organizational strength, coordination, and electoral discipline, its future can become much stronger. Otherwise, constant uncertainty, conflict, and differing political lines will continue to weaken its credibility.
Lessons from the Alliance
Strength in an alliance comes not from the name, but from unity.
Transparency and timely agreement in seat-sharing are necessary.
Without shared leadership, the electoral message becomes weak.
Different strategies may work in different states, but the core direction should remain the same.
The public places more trust in alliances that speak with one voice.
Editorial Conclusion
In politics, an alliance is not merely a collection of parties, but a combination of trust, discipline, and shared purpose. The NDA has shown that organizational unity is a major key to electoral success. If the INDIA alliance truly wants to become a strong alternative, it must not avoid criticism but instead engage in self-reflection.
General Secretary
Indian Professional Journalist, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow
