The contours of ongoing Opposition unity moves are expected to change after the Election Commission’s review of the national and State party tag. While it recently recognised AAP as a national party, it stripped off the coveted status of TMC, NCP and CPI, in separate orders. Besides, while it revoked State party status to RLD (UP), PMK (Puducherry), RSP (West Bengal),Bharat Rashtra Samithi (Andhra Pradesh), People’s Democratic Alliance (Manipur) and Mizoram People’s Conference (Mizoram), it granted “recognised state political party” status to LJP-Ram Vilas in Nagaland, Voice of the People Party in Meghalaya, and Tipra Motha in Tripura.

Importantly, the top pecking order stands altered with the country now having six national parties, down from eight–BJP, Congress, CPM, BSP, NPP and AAP. In the changing fortunes of these parties, BJP and Congress are being viewed as the main national players, despite the latter down to ruling only two States and will need a lot of convincing to do. Interestingly, the AAP, formed only in 2012, has got a shot in the arm and as said by its chief Kejriwal “it’s nothing less than a miracle.” The new status will give it impetus to focus on more States (right now it’s in four–Delhi, Goa, Punjab and Gujarat) and see itself emerge as chief opponent to BJP, a probable, having eaten into the Congress vote.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are not far, and the Opposition parties will need to set aside differences and egos sooner than later. “Unite to defeat the BJP and save India” is easier said than done!