The Opposition is in a dilemma whether to oppose or accept the Government’s moves

The Indian Opposition has failed the people. Bereft of ideas and probably suffering from the ruler syndrome, they have become a mere shadow of the ruling party, oblivious of the key issues and problems of the people. It is indeed a critical economic situation where the opposition could not play a constructive role. It can be traced back to November 8, 2016, when the demonetisation was announced. They did raise their voice but were unable to show the nation a way from which it could really move forward. The opposition was on the back foot because they were in a dilemma whether they should oppose the move or accept it. The government communication was forceful and drowned out the opposition completely. Lakhs of people were standing in queues, to get hold of their money. The richer classes were able to replace their currency notes at a discount, giving rise to a new breed of middle men. The opposition parties remained in a quandary over the ‘black money’ aspect of demonetization that the government highlighted. That was because many politicians had money hidden from authorities. Suffering from a guilt complex, most opposition parties raised feeble, incoherent charges, only strengthening the arguments of their rivals. The opposition did little on the farmers’ protest issue as well though it gave some of them the opportunity to seek new alignments. Similarly, the Opposition remained silent on excessive toll charges on highways, high parking fees and train fares. In July 2017, the GST was brought in, changing the tax structure. It was surprising that a party that had blocked the GST proposal when they were in the opposition would be pressing for it when they became the ruling party. And the opposition parties once again showed their ‘ruling’ instinct by keeping petroleum fuel out of the GST ambit. The people started taking the brunt as did the economy because soon after, both the states and the Centre started hiking taxes every other day. Today the opposition is trying to rake up issues of inflation, price rise and difficult living conditions as the key election planks little realizing they share the blame as well. The pandemic exposed how brittle the Indian economy is. While transportation costs went on going through the roof, people in panic left their working places to reach back to the safety of their homes. They could not ride the trains that were inexplicably cancelled at a few hours’ notice. The opposition party governments were oblivious of the needs of about 18 crore migrants. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar and other states, whether ruled by the BJP or the opposition, behaved badly with the migrant workers. Amid the pandemic came the New Education Policy and the opposition virtually gave it a pass without discussion. The duration of the degree course was increased to four years to tune it to the US system. The nation does not know that the US "degree mills" - largely not-so-repute institutions - provide degrees on a platter.  Let us recall how opposition stalwarts like George Fernandes or Tarakeshwari Sinha opposed linking graduation degrees to jobs as it delayed their employment by two to four years. The nation is committing similar follies now. At present many syllabi are tailored for 2.5 years but the degrees are given after three years. Now students will have to remain away from the job market for one extra year. The opposition should regain its lost glory. The ruling NDA may be doing fine but an analytical opposition could keep it on its toes. The New Year can begin with this resolve.

(The writer is a senior journalist. The views expressedare personal.)