Opinion: Can AAP Afford To Play Hard To Get?

Propagandists of the ruling party, some in the garb of journalists, started rubbishing the opposition unity meeting in Patna even before the leaders reached it. Now that the meeting is over, they are saying it is of no consequence. This betrays nervousness in the ruling camp. The BJP and its supporters must know well from experience that whenever the opposition has come together, it has led to either a substantial loss or a major defeat for the ruling party. Attempts to discredit and distort the unity move are hardly a surprise. I am certain this will intensify in the coming days as the moves gain more momentum and significance.

There will also be attempts to selectively target opposition leaders, tarnish their image, and dig out imaginary dirt to throw at them. They will be painted as corrupt, opportunistic, and good for nothing. The propagandists will have the 'clairvoyance' to imagine a world in which opposition leaders bitterly fight each other for petty gains; each painted as men or women without national character or national interests at heart, ready to collude with anti-national forces to grab power.

They will also push the narrative that only the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have the vision to lead the country and the opposition will be apocalyptic for the nation.

The 2024 election will be more bitter and venomous than any that India has ever witnessed in the past.