The third time was good, but not lucky enough. In its third meeting in Mumbai, the Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance defined its priorities. All 28 Opposition parties in the alliance agreed that seat shares should be settled as early as possible in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, partly because the elections may be brought forward. Besides, experience suggests that this is often the most problematic issue in alliances, and an all-India plan would mean working out the nitty-gritty in every state, most of them with different regional parties. This should precede the planned joint campaigning and public rallies. Coordination committees have been formed to conduct these matters and a target date has been set in October to complete the seat-sharing agreements. But actual schedules remain vague. Mamata Banerjee’s strong objection to Nitish Kumar as convenor of INDIA has delayed that matter too. So it is still too early to discern the alliance’s campaign strategy.

A clear action plan would let the people know what INDIA has to offer. Rahul Gandhi expressed this need, but the initial agreements must be firmed up before that. Meanwhile, many leaders recommended that the government be confronted punctually on every issue. Facts stated clearly each time would create a perception of a powerful Opposition among the people while laying bare matters that the government would like to conceal or evade. China’s movements, the mysterious importance of Gautam Adani and all other subjects ranging from Manipur to unemployment and the price rise would fuel these confrontations. Even the idea of ‘one nation, one election’ floated recently by the government was questioned as a possible build-up to a comprehensive assault on the federal system. If INDIA’s progress seems slow, it could have much to do with its size and diversity — which is also its greatest strength. That 28 parties are determined to move together in spite of differences indicates their shared concern at the destruction of democracy, of the social fabric, of prosperity and peace being wrought by the present regime. That concern is the glue.