INDIA bloc parties may reunite after BJP’s surge in West Bengal

The INDIA bloc meeting held in Mumbai in 2023. FILE PIC

The BJP's strong performance and the Opposition's setback in West Bengal have once again pushed the divided INDIA bloc towards reunion talks. Political rivals, who were fighting among themselves, are now hinting at coming together with one common aim - to stop the saffron juggernaut before it grows even bigger ahead of crucial elections.

Sides switched

Nitish Kumar switched sides and backed the BJP. But Mamata Banerjee, despite keeping her distance from the INDIA bloc, continued her fight against the them.

Opposition reunion likely

BJP supporters celebrate in Kolkata on Monday. File PIC/PTI

Now, with Mamata Banerjee losing the West Bengal polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, and Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut have all come out in support. Even Banerjee, during her press conference on Wednesday, hinted at the need for a stronger Opposition and a reunion of INDIA bloc.

Couldn't stop BJP

During the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Opposition did manage to slow down the BJP, as the party fell short of a majority on its own. However, with the support from Nitish and N Chandrababu Naidu, they formed the government.

BJP on upward trend

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah took charge of the BJP's leadership in 2014, the party's political strength has seen a steady rise. The BJP has continuously expanded its footprint across the country. With a victory in West Bengal, the party would have 17 CMs across India. Including its allies in the NDA, the number of CMs would rise to 22, further strengthening the NDA's presence.

United front divided

The anti-BJP parties came together in 2023 to form an alliance called the INDIA bloc. However, even before the 2024 general elections, cracks had started appearing within the alliance over leadership issues and who would lead at the Centre. It was then reported that the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, Nitish Kumar of the JDU and some other allies were unhappy after a meeting in Mumbai, where the Congress was seen to lead the alliance.

17
No of BJP chief ministers across India