The outcome of the no-confidence motion is a foregone conclusion with the BJP-led government poised to safely run through with the numbers stacked heavily in favour. However, this is not about toppling the government, but rather embarrassing it.
The bigger picture lies not in the motion, but the debate. It will be an open invitation to slam the government on the floor of the House on key issues. The Opposition will use this platform to hit the BJP where it hurts and use issues like price rise, GST, farmers’ plight, communal strife and MSP flaws to bring the government to its knees in full view.
Secondly, it will, for the first time pit a resurgent and united opposition against the ruling. For a united opposition which is buoyed by the recent victories in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, this duel could set the tone of the polls next year.
The no-confidence motion will also put to test Rahul Gandhi’s leadership of a united opposition, coming against the backdrop of speculations about him not being able to lead big political names in the group. History has it that majority of the duels between Rahul and Modi has gone in the latter’s way.
With 273 BJP members, along with 39 allies, the NDA government appears to be in a comfortable majority, but there is a certain degree of discomfort which is visible as they put on the boxing gloves.
However, while the NDA endures this fight in Parliament, it will give them time to regroup and possibly revisit old friends to firm up their alliance going into the Lok Sabha poll.
However, Modi is not known to throw in the towel and offer a meek surrender. Presumably, there could be an ace up his sleeve and there is every likelihood that he could make sweeping statements that could swing the tide in his favour yet again. Modi has this uncharacteristic charm of delivery and has been a very convincing orator. Remember the 2014 Lok Sabha poll when Modi’s clarion call for clean governance and development worked like magic.
The highlight for Friday’s motion would be who will come out trumps and how effectively the ruling manages to blunt this fierce opposition that is seething with fury. It would be interesting to see how the game of politics is played out and it is an important opportunity not only for the national parties but also regional parties to make the best of it.
Hopefully, in the backdrop of this political churn, the welfare of the citizens does not go for a toss. If the session fails to be productive, the purpose of Lok Sabha will be defeated.
