Sep 21, 2012, 08.39 PM IST

BJP's likely strategies after Congress-Trinamool split

As the ruling UPA marches on unleashing one economic reform measure after another, especially after key ally TMC decided to withdraw its support from the government over fuel price hikes and FDI in retail, the main Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems speechless.

Source: Moneycontrol.com

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BJP's likely strategies after Congress-Trinamool split

As the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) marches on unleashing one economic reform measure after another, especially after key ally Trinamool Congress (TMC) decided to withdraw its support from the government over fuel price hikes and FDI in retail, the main Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems speechless.

Left with absolutely no strategy to deal with this reinvigorated government, that till a few weeks ago had been floundering after one scam after another involving some of its ministers came to light, BJP President Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that the party will not seek a trust vote in Parliament.

In fact, after the TMC's decision to pull out from the government, the UPA has emerged stronger, especially with the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) saying that they will continue to support the government.

However, even then it is hard to believe that the main Opposition party will not have some ace up its sleeve to try and bring the ruling coalition down.

Possible Opposition strategy

BJP will try and not be in a hurry and allow the UPA's own contradictions to force its unravelling.
It may continue with its demands for a special Parliament session to embarrass the government and parties like the Samajwadi Party, who at the state level contest against it and at the Centre, support it.
It is likely try and get strong regional parties like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the AIADMK, the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) on their side.
It may work on making Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee move a resolution against FDI in the winter session of Parliament. It will be easier for the Opposition to rally around Mamata's resolution.
It will also look to ensure that Janata Dal (United) leader and key ally Nitish Kumar doesn't leave them mid-way. It may also attempt to keep off from projecting Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate.