Path ahead for unity  among the so-called secular parties is pot-holed

New Delhi: Much hyped opposition unity or, what is called, secular alliance,was no where in evidence on Thursday when its candidate filed nomination for the presidential election. This raises a question mark over the formation and success of Mahagathbandhan to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party from coming back to power at the Centre two years later.

It was billed as a show of opposition strength as the candidate, Meira Kumar, was the choice of the 17-party opposition. But most of the top opposition leaders were missing from the scene. The lone noted opposition leader Sitaram Yechuri had, therefore, a tough time explaining their absence.

A visibly upset communist leader was twice heard telling a group of journalists, " Modi jee ( Prime Minister Narendra Modi) bhi to nahi aye the". The comparison was odious as Modi was not expected to be present during the filing of the nomination by the rival candidate, Ram Nath Kovind, some time ago. A galaxy of ruling party members was, however, present.

During Thursday's filing even Lalu Prasad Yadav, who had proposed Meira's name during the opposition meeting to decide on the candidate, was seen in Ranchi and not in Delhi. Mamata Banerjee , West Bengal chief minister, who is another known critic of Modi was absent too. The main opposition party, the Congress, which is supposed to lead the alliance, had sent a junior leader. Party's vice-president Rahul Gandhi could not be located either.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati who was quick to support her candidature was missing as well. The party is already divided on the issue. Some of the party leaders are in touch with the BJP and may side with the rival. So is the case with the Samajwadi Party. Founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. Unlike others, has extended support to the BJP candidate.

However, it is not yet clear how many of five members of Lok Sabha and 45 members of assembly will go with him. Some Congress members in Bihar are also likely to cross- vote in favour of the non-UPA candidate.

What seems to be coming in the way of the opposition unity is the image of some of the leaders. Lalu is out on bail in a fodder case. Mamata's party men too are linked with some scams. In addition to him, sons and daughters of Lalu are in a soup.

The Income Tax department has already seized the alleged Benami properties of the family which have been valued at Rs 1000 crores. His daughter and son-in-law have been questioned in this regard and they have not given any satisfactory reply so far. The seized properties may not be given back to the family.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar seems to be moving towards the BJP, his one-time partner in coalition. He has a clean image and could be a better choice . But he is not comfortable with Lalu and some other opposition leaders. Clearly, the path ahead for the opposition is full of pot-holes.