Today, bypolls are underway in seven assembly constituencies spanning six states, marking a crucial milestone in the nascent Opposition alliance known as the Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). This election is seen as the first major test for INDIA as it takes on the formidable ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP. The constituencies where bypolls are being held include Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, Dhupguri in West Bengal, Puthuppally in Kerala, Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, Dumri in Jharkhand, and Boxanagar and Dhanpur in Tripura. The election results are scheduled to be announced on September 8.
A total of 28 Opposition parties have united to form the INDIA alliance, with the intention of contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together to the extent possible. However, these bypolls are expected to provide a reality check for their grassroots-level political strength.
In the states of Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, the Opposition is presenting a united front. Nevertheless, in West Bengal and Kerala, INDIA alliance candidates are competing against each other.
In Ghosi, Uttar Pradesh, what started as a traditional BJP vs. Samajwadi Party contest has evolved into a larger NDA vs. INDIA battle that could impact the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. BJP candidate Dara Singh Chauhan is receiving support from NDA allies such as Apna Dal (S), Suheldeo Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), and Nishad Party, while INDIA alliance partners, including the Congress, RLD, Left parties, and Apna Dal (K), are rallying behind the Samajwadi Party’s Sudhakar Singh.
While bypolls in four states are following expected patterns, Kerala’s Puthuppally and West Bengal’s Dhupguri underscore the challenges within the INDIA alliance as its constituents find themselves in head-to-head contests. In the Congress stronghold of Puthuppally in Kerala, the Left is giving the grand old party a tough fight, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan leading the campaign himself.
Positive outcomes in these bypolls could potentially divert attention from the recent controversy surrounding “Sanatana Dharma.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi, stirred a significant political storm with his remarks equating “Sanatana Dharma” with diseases like malaria, dengue, and corona. During a conference in Chennai, the DMK leader also called for the eradication of “Sanatana Dharma.” These remarks drew severe criticism from the BJP, providing them with valuable ammunition against the INDIA alliance, especially since the DMK is one of its 28 alliance partners. The INDIA alliance is now banking on these bypolls to shift the narrative and gain momentum in their favor.
