The Rahul Gandhi show and the Congress’s alliance dilemma

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been at the forefront of protests by the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Allegations of vote chori (theft) and electoral manipulation have fueled these protests, which have put mainstream opposition parties in the spotlight.

The dramatic visuals of Mr. Gandhi being carried by Delhi Police personnel and other Congress leaders lying on the road have raised concerns among supporters about the party's ability to carry out a successful campaign on the streets.

The Congress faces a dilemma in managing its alliance with other opposition parties without making them appear marginal. A recent incident involving the Samajwadi Party (SP) further highlights this challenge. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was absent from a lunch hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, leading to speculation about the reasons behind the absence.

SP officials hinted that the Congress leadership did not keep them informed about their plans, causing tension among the alliance members. The Congress must strike a balance between leading the campaign against the Election Commission and ensuring that the INDIA bloc appears as a united front rather than a platform for a single party or leader.