26 opposition parties have decided to fight the election together in the next Lok Sabha elections. For that, a front named Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (India) was formed. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has informed that the formation of an 11-member coordination committee and the announcement of the front convener will be held in the next meeting in Mumbai.

It is no small matter that 26 ruling parties in 11 states have decided to stand together. However, most of them are divided on various issues. Although they say they stand together for the rights of the oppressed, in essence, what binds them together is the anti-Modi idea. If all the criticism is directed at Modi, chances are that it will backfire like the previous time. Instead, if they come to power, the opposition coalition should clarify what they will put forward for the welfare and development of the people and face the election based on that. It cannot be denied that India is developing under the BJP rule led by Modi. The opposition parties have not been able to raise corruption allegations against the Prime Minister or the Union Ministers with evidence in Parliament or outside, other than generally accusing the central government of helping corporates. This is a big plus point for NDA. Therefore criticism aimed only at Modi will not be of much benefit except to give more hype to Modi by repeating old things. At the same time, pointing out the real shortcomings of the central government and announcing what they will do to fix it once in power will increase their credibility among the people. Congress had put forward such a strategy in the Karnataka elections. As soon as they came to power, they did everything they promised that directly benefit the people.

Although development is happening n the country, inflation is also very steep. Fuel prices have also become unaffordable. Frequent current charge has become a big issue. Spending on education and healthcare is squeezing the middle class in every sense. Before the elections, they should submit to the people the outline of what the opposition parties can do differently.

As elections approach many issues will come up which will not benefit the people and at the same time lead to religious polarization among them. The Ram temple construction and uniform civil code may be discussed. It is not right to expect to get votes just because you comment on it. Even if they do not project a leader, the opposition coalition ought to be able to convince that there is no split within. A strong opposition and electoral struggle between equal powers is essential for the survival of democracy. Let's hope that the opposition coalition will be able to make it happen.