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OpinionLetters

Letters | What India’s opposition lacks most is a vision that wins elections

  • Readers discuss the possible reasons for voter fatigue in India’s ongoing elections, the viability of Palestinian statehood, and strengthening protection of Victoria Harbour

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A supporter wears a cap with the picture of Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of India’s main opposition Congress party, and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in Raebareli, India on May 3. Photo: Reuters
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I refer to the article, “India election: lower voter turnout raises questions of fatigue with PM Modi’s ruling BJP” (May 10).
The low voter turnout is partly because it is widely believed that the opposition is fragmented and that Modi will win. Also, people are disillusioned with the levels of electioneering and personal and religious attacks.
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A democracy thrives on debate. It is a horrible tragedy that one of the largest and most vibrant democracies in the world is bereft of a strong and credible opposition. In the ongoing elections, the election machinery of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is steamrollering the opposition parties.

The opposition parties lack the requisite funds, ideas and tactics to battle the BJP. Even the Election Commission of India has been accused of favouring the ruling party. International observers from 23 countries are on the ground at New Delhi’s invitation, but most of these countries, if not all, are no bastion of democracy themselves.
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Though strong is some states, the opposition has made meagre efforts to strengthen its all-India footprint. True, the parties have formed a national alliance to fight the BJP. However, they have not agreed on a common leader or agenda. Each party blows its own trumpet. A common goal to defeat the BJP is not enough. There has to be a credible development strategy.
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