May 07, 2026 15:28 pm IST

Opinion | Is INDIA Bloc Set To Split After Tamil Nadu, Bengal Results? A Look At The Mess

Curiously, the disintegration of the Opposition alliance is something a section of leaders within the Congress might even be looking forward to. Here's what may come next for the bloc...

Rasheed Kidwai Rasheed Kidwai Columnist

Rasheed Kidwai Columnist

The outcome of five state assembly polls has rattled the INDIA alliance, leading to bad blood, disquiet and realignment. There are strong indicators that the Opposition bloc, facing an existential crisis, will break into two or more formations, giving the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) a distinct advantage and scope for manoeuvring for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

Paradoxically, the imminent disintegration of the INDIA alliance brings both joy and grief for the Grand Old Party. The Rahul Gandhi-led Congress has reasons to cheer the downfall of a whimsical and temperamental Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and the defeat of DMK in Tamil Nadu, for two very different reasons. 

A Congress Opening In Bengal?

In Bengal, the Congress has a theoretical chance of revival and is hoping that a section of the Trinamool would come 'home' if the breakaway party breaks down in the state. It is an open secret that within days of defeat, things have gone sour between Mamata and her nephew  Abhishek Banerjee. Given the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) penchant for splitting regional outfits, such as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress........

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