Speaking at a book launch event in Delhi, Chidambaram described the BJP as a "formidable" political force and questioned whether the INDIA alliance remains intact, suggesting that the coalition may be "frayed." His comments have been seized upon by BJP leaders, including National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, who shared a video of Chidambaram's remarks on social media, interpreting them as an admission of the Congress party's declining prospects.
Chidambaram's candid assessment comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties formed to challenge the BJP's dominance in national politics. He noted that he is not part of the alliance's negotiating committee and that his information about its internal dynamics is secondhand. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of unity among opposition parties to counter the BJP's electoral machinery.
The BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has demonstrated significant electoral success, securing victories in multiple state and national elections. Chidambaram warned that the BJP's return to power could pose an existential threat to state-specific regional parties, urging them to recognize the stakes involved.
In response to Chidambaram's remarks, Bhandari criticized the opposition alliance, accusing it of lacking a coherent agenda and labeling it as "anti-people." He asserted that the BJP's recent electoral victories reflect public support for Modi's governance and development policies.