In a sharp critique of the current political landscape, veteran columnist Tavleen Singh has expressed her defining wish for the year 2026: the emergence of a credible and effective opposition party in India. She argues that such a force is desperately needed to hold the Narendra Modi-led government accountable for its numerous failures and to counter attacks on the nation's pluralist fabric.
The Resurgence of an 'Old Modi' and a Missed Opportunity
Singh identifies a pivotal shift in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demeanour. She contrasts his humble posture after the 2024 Lok Sabha election, where the BJP fell short of a simple majority and relied on allies for government formation, with his triumphant stride into party headquarters following the Bihar victory later. The columnist interprets the 2024 verdict as a voter's message: a preference for Modi over Rahul Gandhi, but a clear disapproval of perceived autocratic tendencies from his earlier terms.
This moment, Singh suggests, presented a golden chance for the Congress party. With enough seats to claim the Leader of the Opposition position, there was hope for a functional parliamentary check on power. However, she laments that this chance was squandered. Instead of rebuilding its organisation, Congress remained a "collection of courtiers and sycophants" around the Gandhi family, letting the opportunity for a strong opposition slip away.
Distractions Over Substance: The Opposition's Flawed Strategy
The article heavily criticises the strategy adopted by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress after their state election losses in Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Bihar. Instead of introspection, Singh notes, the party leadership focused on blaming the Election Commission and alleging widespread voter fraud, or 'vote chori'.
Rahul Gandhi's much-touted electoral "bombs," like the claim of a Brazilian model voting multiple times in Haryana, are presented as distractions from core issues. Singh acknowledges some voter list inaccuracies but argues they are insufficient to account for the scale of electoral defeats. Further, she questions the Opposition Leader's numerous foreign trips in 2025 to nations like Vietnam, the UAE, UK, and Brazil, where he allegedly spoke about the Election Commission's "cheating" and the erosion of Indian democracy. "If the situation is so dire, should he not spend more time in India?" she pointedly asks.
The Pressing Issues Awaiting a Vocal Opposition
Singh lists critical national problems that lack forceful opposition scrutiny. She highlights the contaminated water deaths in Indore, a city famed for its cleanliness, and questions the performance of "double-engine" BJP governments in states with some of the world's dirtiest cities. Stagnant private investment and the exodus of both rich and poor Indians to other countries are flagged as economic concerns requiring debate.
Most significantly, she calls for an opposition voice against the "consistent and brutal attack on India’s pluralist legacy." Citing the international headlines on attacks during Christmas targeting Christians and churches, she dismisses the 'fringe fanatics' defence. She directly names the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its youth wing, the Bajrang Dal, for instigating and executing these campaigns of hate. The normalisation of such hate speech, exemplified by an incident in Bareilly where a girl's Muslim friends were assaulted at her birthday party, is presented as a grave threat under what she describes as Uttar Pradesh's de facto "Hindu Rashtra."
In conclusion, Tavleen Singh's wish for 2026 is a functional opposition that can challenge the government on governance, the economy, and the defence of pluralism. Yet, she ends on a sceptical note, mentioning as she writes that Rahul Gandhi is reportedly embarking on yet another foreign trip, underscoring her doubt about the current opposition's priorities.
