NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal said that INDIA should project itself as one "bloc" instead of seeming fractured in public. He urged that there should be a proper framework in the opposition alliance, with appointed spokesmen to issue its positions.
In reference to the INDIA alliance, speaking in an interview , he said the coalition parties need to have a common ideology, common policy, and a future agenda.
Responding to a question if recent clash between allies of the INDIA bloc in state assembly polls was a bad thing, Independent Rajya Sabha MP said these words, "I think INDIA needs to project itself as a bloc rather than going out as non-coordinated before the people."
He continued to state, "Parties of INDIA must project an integrated policy, one ideology and one program for the future."
Sibal underlined the fact that it is not only necessary for this kind of cohesiveness at the national or the state level but also that they should reflect in their policy towards big national issues. He reiterated that without a proper mechanism and representatives to present the feelings of the bloc, progress would be tough
Concerning the need for a political organizational structure of the bloc, Sibal also added that he has been pushing this for ages now.
"It appears either it's not for everyone, or that they think it's not the right moment, but I don't know about the bloc," he added.
Despite this, Sibal was hopeful for the future of the opposition. "I see a future for the opposition; we will see what form and structure it takes," he concluded.
Opposition parties united in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, or INDIA, to defeat the BJP alliance in the next Lok Sabha elections.
The INDIA bloc members, particularly the AAP and the Congress, have also had some heated exchanges, particularly during the Delhi Assembly polls. Most political observers have noted that the failure of the INDIA bloc to come together has given the BJP room to strengthen its base after the Lok Sabha elections, resulting in their wins in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
Asked if the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, to be tabled in the ongoing Budget session, and what the opposition could do, Sibal said it depended on how the NDA allies have settled as the BJP does not command a majority.
"Let us hear what they have to say. With elections in Bihar coming up, they may be worried about how introducing the bill would impact the election process there," he clarified.
"I do not know what will happen, so we wait and see. If the bill is passed, there will be avenues for those who want to go against it," Sibal added.
On the controversial question of delimitation, Sibal contended that it had grave implications on the political structure of the nation. That's why Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin convened a meeting where several representatives, including Congress, were present.
"It will impact the future of our politics, but the law is that delimitation cannot be carried out without a new census. As we did not have a new census in 2021, we need to do that first before any delimitation. So, 'Dilli is still far away'," the veteran lawyer claimed.
Sibal, who was a Union minister in UPA 1 and UPA 2 governments, quit the Congress in May 2022 and was made a Rajya Sabha member as an Independent supported by the Samajwadi Party.
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