Rama Krishna Sangem
This is a question that puzzled many of us who watched Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two hour long fiery speech on the no trust motion against his council of ministers in Lok Sabha on August 10, Thursday. About 90 per cent of his speech and attack was reserved primarily against Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi. He didn’t utter a word against any of others in the opposition camp, who too backed the motion.
In fact, the no trust motion against PM Modi was a collective decision of INDIA front that included Congress. The opposition initially demanded a statement by the PM on Manipur in the Parliament. But, Modi didn’t concede their demand. Home Minister Amit Shah offered a debate on the issue, but the opposition insisted on the PM’s statement.
This stalemate finally led the opposition to move a no trust motion so that the PM would be forced to speak up on the issue. All the 26 parties of INDIA camp have agreed to this no trust motion. A couple of days before came up the Bill on Delhi services, replacing an ordinance, giving more powers to the Centre on the national capital region’s officials.
This Bill passage in Rajya Sabha initially appeared tough for the ruling NDA, but some opposition parties like YCP, TDP and BJD voted with the ruling BJP. After that smooth sailing, BJP took it easy – of defeating the no trust motion in LS where it has comfortable majority. The real challenge was for Congress and INDIA to show off their numbers. But, they too dropped the idea of pressing for voting on the motion. So, they walked out.
PM Modi sure of a split in INDIA
A major reason for PM Modi not attacking other opposition parties is his strong belief that there will be split in INDIA front very soon. Moreover, he wants to wean away some of the parties to his side, either before or after 2024 May LS election. He needs them in case his NDA fails to muster enough MPs – to cross the halfway mark of 272. He wants to keep his doors open for some of non-Congress INDIA parties – like NCP, AAP and TMC.
That’s why, the PM and other BJP leades repeatedly said, that this no trust motion is to test who’s with INDIA, but no to test the strength of this government. That’s why, Modi highlighted contradictions in within INDIA parties – like who fight among themselves in some states like Delhi, Punjab, Bengal. Modi is careful enough to spare other opposition parties, while training his guns only on Rahul Gandhi and Congress.
