Developments in Punjab are putting a big question mark on the bonhomie projected by INDIA bloc for 2024. The Congress particularly is seeing red after AAP government in Punjab arrested its MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in Chandigarh on Sep 28 in a 2015 drug trafficking case.

President Kharge reacted with ‘we won’t tolerate injustice’ and AAP leadership shouldn’t be employing ‘BJP’s tool of vendetta politics’ against alliance constituents! Moreso, after Congress supported AAP over the Delhi Services Bill and objected in Rajya Sabha to MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha’s suspension. A Congress delegation also met Governor Purohit complaining against the ‘fake case.’ Khaira hit out at Chief Minister Mann accusing him of being ‘thirsty for my blood…It’s not the politics of ‘badlav’ (change) but ‘badle dee rajniti’ (politics of revenge).’

This so as he was being summoned despite the Supreme Court ‘staying the trial court proceedings against him in 2017’. Interestingly, within hours of his arrest, BJP echoed Congress sentiment accusing AAP of misusing powers and indulging in revenge politics. The AAP claims action was taken ‘as per law’. The issue confirms early cracks.  

Likewise, there was a TMC-Congress brawl in West Bengal, after Congress’ Kaustav Bagchi joined a protest rally in Kolkata on September 27, of aspiring candidates for school jobs with BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari present. Obviously, TMC is spewing venom saying there’s a ‘covert alliance’ among CPM, Congress, and BJP in the state!

Ironically, placards of the INDIA bloc along with posters against TMC were in the rally. While Bagchi says he has ‘no problem taking part in any rally/programme against corrupt TMC,’ State party chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury sought to downplay it, saying he ‘must have gone there in a personal capacity and not as Congress leader.’ But, however, adds ‘fighting against BJP doesn’t mean we’ll turn a blind eye to TMC corruption’.

Making TMC ask ‘do you support BJP in Bengal or not?’ While the spat will continue, Congress is caught in a heated debate with the CPI in Kerala. Talk of Rahul Gandhi retaining his Wayanad seat in 2024 has the Left insisting he mustn’t as the ‘alliance will be weakened if partners contest against each other.’ Congress insists firmly ‘it’s for the party to decide on its candidates.’

Time is essence and the bloc would do well not to kill it…