India's political landscape is heating up as the Indian National Congress, the main challenger to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), faces challenges in its bid to regain power. The Congress, which has a long history of governing the country since independence, has recently formed an alliance with other opposition leaders under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
The INDIA bloc, aimed at 'saving democracy,' launched its campaign last month but has been struggling to match the charisma and popularity of Modi. Analysts point out that the opposition alliance has been plagued by internal conflicts, hindering its ability to present a united front against the BJP.
Adding to the opposition's woes are allegations of a BJP-led campaign to undermine Modi's rivals. Several key opposition figures, including Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal, have faced arrests and investigations by state agencies, sparking accusations of political motives. The Congress itself has encountered financial challenges, with its bank accounts frozen by tax authorities and a hefty tax bill imposed on the party.
Despite these obstacles, the BJP denies any interference in the legal proceedings against opposition members. A victory for Modi in the upcoming elections would solidify his position as a prominent and long-serving leader in India, while relegating the Congress to another term in the opposition.