Sitaram Yechury Assesses Lok Sabha Election 2024 Mid-Way: Opposition Gains Momentum
Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, a prominent figure in coalition efforts since the mid-1990s, offers his insights into the ongoing Lok Sabha election after four phases of polling.
Basis of Opposition Claims
Yechury attributes the Opposition’s claims of a favorable shift in the election’s trajectory to the lack of a substantial surge in voter turnout for the BJP, a key factor in their previous victories. Additionally, he observes that the BJP’s attempts to divert attention from pressing issues have failed to resonate with the public.
Disconnect Between BJP and Public
Yechury highlights the growing disconnect between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the public, as evidenced by the prominence of issues like price rise and livelihood concerns in discussions. He suggests that the failure to address these real problems is aiding the Opposition.
Turnaround States for the Opposition
Yechury predicts losses for the BJP in several states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and the Northeast. He notes that the connect with the INDIA bloc parties has deepened due to the campaign’s content.
Similarities to 2004
Yechury draws parallels between the current election and 2004, when the Left parties played a crucial role. While acknowledging the diminished strength of the Left, he emphasizes the similarity in the focus on alternative policies and the absence of a clear alternative to the ruling party.
Presidential Nature of Elections
Yechury acknowledges the presidential nature of the election, where voters inquire about the Opposition’s face against Prime Minister Modi. He stresses the need to shift the narrative back to electing local MPs who will ultimately choose a leader.
Biggest Election Issues
According to Yechury, the biggest issues in the election are people’s daily living conditions and concerns. He criticizes the BJP’s sidelining of these issues and their attempts to sharpen communal polarization.
Regional Parties’ Role
Yechury recognizes the role of regional parties in challenging the BJP, citing examples from Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. He suggests that Congress is playing a similar role in some states, combining efforts with regional parties and the Left.
Threats to Constitution and Democracy
Yechury raises concerns about the erosion of constitutional principles under the BJP’s rule, citing instances of interference in temple inaugurations, targeting of minority communities, and suppression of dissent. He emphasizes the importance of preserving India’s secular democratic republic.
Kerala Clashes
Yechury expresses disapproval of the personal attacks between Rahul Gandhi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasizing the importance of issue-based politics and respecting opponents.
Bitterness in West Bengal
Yechury acknowledges the bitterness between Trinamool and the Left-Congress combine in West Bengal, suggesting that it could benefit the BJP. He explains that the violence and corruption associated with the local body elections have fueled the Left’s opposition to Trinamool, but that a united INDIA bloc could also benefit the BJP.
Conclusion
Yechury concludes by reiterating the need for the Opposition to focus on addressing people’s concerns and offering alternative policies. He warns against communal polarization attempts and emphasizes the importance of upholding constitutional principles and democratic rights.
