AS PARTIES SQUABBLE, THREAT OF SPLIT LOOMS LARGE ON I.N.D.I.A BLOC

In UP, Congress wants to fight on 40 seats if the alliance happens, but the SP wants to give it only 10 to 15 scats.

- AJIT MAINDOLA

With the constituents finding it difficult to arrive at a consensus on the seat sharing formula, apprehensions are being raised about the unity of the I.N.D.I.A coalition which was formed to defeat the National Democratic Alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. While seat sharing is a big challenge, there is also the fear of a possible dent in the coalition in Maharashtra and Bihar.

Although Congress is ready for every kind of compromise, apprehensions about the unity of the opposition bloc remain. Statements from NCP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra are leading to a debate over whether these parties will remain together till the elections. Nitish Kumar’s move to be at the helm of JD(U) also carries some political message for the coalition, indicating that all is not well.