Over the last 9 months, regional leaders had worked very hard to build an anti-Modi front. They did not contest seats, swallowed pride and also shared a platform with the very parties against whom they had contested all their lives. These regional parties did all this with only one hope - survival. They believed that if they all came together, they could put up a credible fight against Modi in 2019. It would be painful for each one of them to concede seats but at least survival was possible.
The Mahaghatbandhan strategy was put to test during the bypolls. Vote banks were combined; lifelong enemies (BSP-SP) came together and the BJP was defeated in the bypolls. Mahaghatbahndhan despite its inherent contradictions seemed to work. Desperation was the binding glue.
NDA, on the other hand, seemed to lose friends. The Shiv Sena remains miffed as it is relegated to a supporting role, TDP walked out as it was unable to take on YSR at the local level.
On top of this, media build a narrative that a failing economy, an intolerant society put the democratic foundations of the nation at risk.
It seemed like a perfect build-up to defeat Modi in 2019 - a rising Mahaghatbandhan, a disintegrating NDA, and an undemocratic, intolerant image of India to shame Modi.
Then came the no-confidence motion. A national platform for all anti-Modi forces to unite and force a debate that would tame Modi. Congress leaders even claimed that they had the numbers to un-seat Modi and install Rahul as the PM.
They say that there is a thin line between bravery and foolishness. Mahaghatbhandan in its arrogance put up a splendid display of incompetence. 12 hours of debate revealed 3 things about the opposition
1) Lack of preparedness - The performance of the opposition during the debate showed that they were woefully unprepared. They did nothing to capture the imagination of the nation. Foreign governments were dragged into the discourse. Modi had to just watch as Rahul's arguments collapsed after statements issued by France.
2) Lack of maturity - Forcefully hugging someone, winking in the highest temple of democracy embarrassed the nation. It seemed that the only source of inspiration or ideas for nation building is a Bollywood movie like 'Sanju'. Statesmanship, Leadership made way for childish pranks that would even embarrass a 16-year-old college kid.
3) Lack of unity- The final numbers showed that the NDA had grown in strength from 2014 despite losing the NDA and Shiv Sena. When it mattered, the Mahaghatbandan was neither 'Maha' or a 'Ghatbandan'.
To make things worse, the opposition gifted Modi a platform to showcase his performance, demonstrate strength and build a narrative for 2019. There is one thing that the no-confidence motion proved beyond doubt - TINA i.e. there is no alternative to Narendra Modi. Forget 2019, the damage from yesterday will haunt the opposition even post 2024
Level of debate by the Congress was a new low. No facts but meaningless accusations. Also would have liked a comment on Rajnathji speech which was not covered by the media but very forceful.
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