Sanjaya Baru (“Sushma and Brinda, Mamata and Sonia”, July 12) makes a neat analysis of the nature of present politics of partnerships, particularly the compulsions of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left parties to work together to protect their turf. Of the three national entities, the Left has an existential dilemma. Its ideology makes it difficult for it to associate with the Congress party whose economic and fiscal policies do not go down well with its Marxist mindset. Also, it is embarrassing for the Left to associate itself with the BJP whose “communal” reputation is an anathema for the comrades.
In the past, its coalition with either party has been a near-failure, as a result of which it has failed to achieve its objectives, resulting in its present plight. Its partnership with the Congress party could neither prevent the passing of the nuclear deal with the US, nor could it ensure the BJP lost its national character. Yet, it cannot form a government, or become an effective Opposition on its own or even with the help of residual groups. Unless the Left reorients its ideology in tune with contemporary social, economic and political necessities, it will only be a part of what the writer calls “disruptive” alliances, be it with the Congress party or the BJP.
Y G Chouksey, Pune
