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INTERVIEW |''Opposition reduced itself to opposing everything for political reasons''

In-Depth Interview: Opposition's Strategy of Blanket Opposition Driven by Political Motives, Says Senior BJP Leader

In a candid and revealing interview, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Rajesh Verma lambasted the opposition parties in India, accusing them of reducing their role to one of mindless opposition for purely political gains. Speaking exclusively to The New Indian Express, Verma, who has been a key figure in the Narendra Modi-led government since 2014, delved into the intricacies of parliamentary dynamics, governance challenges, and the evolving political landscape in the country. The conversation, held against the backdrop of recent parliamentary sessions marked by disruptions and walkouts, highlighted what Verma described as a "self-destructive path" adopted by the opposition, particularly the Indian National Congress and its allies in the INDIA bloc.

Verma began by reflecting on the historical role of opposition in a democracy. "In any healthy democracy, the opposition is meant to be a constructive force—a watchdog that holds the government accountable, offers alternative policies, and engages in meaningful debates," he said. However, according to Verma, the current opposition has deviated from this ideal. "What we see today is an opposition that opposes everything, not because of ideological differences or genuine concerns for the people, but solely for political reasons. It's a strategy born out of desperation to stay relevant in the media and among their voter base."

The minister pointed to several recent examples to substantiate his claims. He referenced the Monsoon Session of Parliament in 2025, where bills related to economic reforms, agricultural subsidies, and digital infrastructure were stalled due to opposition protests. "Take the Digital India Expansion Bill, for instance. This legislation aims to bridge the digital divide in rural areas, providing high-speed internet to millions who are currently underserved. The opposition didn't even allow a proper discussion; they walked out, claiming it was a tool for surveillance. But where is the evidence? It's pure rhetoric designed to create fear and score political points," Verma asserted.

He further elaborated on the opposition's tactics during the debate on the National Health Security Act, a flagship program intended to expand universal healthcare coverage. "We proposed amendments based on feedback from states, including those ruled by opposition parties. Yet, they boycotted the sessions, labeling it as 'anti-federal' without engaging in clause-by-clause scrutiny. This isn't opposition; it's obstructionism. They're opposing for the sake of opposing, hoping to paint the government as authoritarian in the eyes of the public."

Verma attributed this behavior to the opposition's electoral setbacks in recent years. "After the 2024 general elections, where the BJP-led NDA secured a comfortable majority despite predictions of a hung parliament, the opposition has been in disarray. They've lost touch with ground realities. Instead of introspecting on why voters rejected their narrative, they're doubling down on negativity. It's a classic case of political survival over national interest."

The interview also touched upon the role of social media and 24/7 news cycles in amplifying this strategy. "In today's digital age, opposition leaders know that a viral clip of a protest or a fiery speech gets more traction than a nuanced policy critique. So, they manufacture controversies. Remember the uproar over the farm laws in 2020-21? Even after repeals and consultations, they continue to use it as a bogeyman. It's not about farmers anymore; it's about keeping the anti-BJP sentiment alive for the next elections."

Shifting gears, Verma discussed the government's achievements, which he believes the opposition deliberately ignores. "Under Prime Minister Modi, we've lifted millions out of poverty through schemes like PM-KISAN, Ayushman Bharat, and the Mudra Yojana. GDP growth is projected at 7.5% for 2025-26, infrastructure projects like the bullet train and expressways are transforming connectivity, and our foreign policy has elevated India's global standing—from QUAD partnerships to vaccine diplomacy during COVID. But does the opposition acknowledge any of this? No, they focus on isolated incidents to discredit the entire governance model."

He was particularly scathing about the opposition's stance on national security issues. "On matters like border security with China or counter-terrorism operations, they've questioned every move. During the recent Ladakh standoff resolutions, they accused us of secrecy, yet when in power, they handled similar issues with far less transparency. This hypocrisy undermines national unity. Opposing for political reasons here borders on irresponsibility."

Verma didn't shy away from addressing internal BJP challenges either, showing a balanced perspective. "We're not perfect. There have been delays in some welfare implementations due to bureaucratic hurdles, and we need to do more on unemployment among the youth. But we're open to criticism—if it's constructive. The problem is, the opposition isn't providing alternatives; they're just saying 'no' to everything."

Looking ahead to the 2029 elections, Verma predicted that this strategy would backfire. "Voters are smarter than politicians give them credit for. They want development, jobs, and security—not endless drama. If the opposition continues this way, they'll reduce themselves to irrelevance. We've seen regional parties like the Trinamool Congress or DMK succeed by focusing on state-specific issues while cooperating nationally when needed. The national opposition should learn from that."

The minister also commented on the role of alliances. "The INDIA bloc was formed with much fanfare, but it's crumbling under the weight of egos and conflicting agendas. Rahul Gandhi's leadership is questioned within his own party, and allies like Sharad Pawar or Mamata Banerjee are charting independent paths. This disunity is why they're resorting to blanket opposition—it's the only glue holding them together."

In a lighter vein, Verma shared an anecdote from his early days in politics. "I remember debating with opposition stalwarts like Sushma Swaraj when she was in opposition. Those were debates of substance, not slogans. Today's opposition needs to rediscover that spirit."

Verma concluded by emphasizing the need for bipartisanship. "India is at a pivotal moment—poised to become a $5 trillion economy, leading in renewable energy, and asserting itself globally. We need an opposition that contributes to this vision, not one that sabotages it for votes. If they change course, it would benefit everyone, including themselves."

This interview underscores a growing narrative in Indian politics: the tension between governance and opposition tactics. As the nation grapples with post-pandemic recovery, climate challenges, and geopolitical shifts, Verma's words serve as a call for a more mature political discourse. Whether the opposition heeds this advice remains to be seen, but the critique highlights the high stakes involved in India's democratic experiment.

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Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jul/20/interview-opposition-reduced-itself-to-opposing-everything-for-political-reasons ]