How does the SP-Congress feud reflect the lack of ideological grounding in the INDIA alliance

1. Lack of ideological grounding: The feud between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Indian National Congress reflects the lack of a strong ideological foundation within the INDIA alliance. Both parties have traditionally represented different sections of society and catered to diverse ideological viewpoints, making it difficult for them to find common ground. 2. Clash of interests: The recent conflict between the SP and Congress parties, particularly in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, highlighted their conflicting interests. While the SP, with its base among Yadavs and Muslims, focused on social justice and minority appeasement, the Congress intended to broaden its appeal to a wider voter base. 3. Identity politics vs. broader appeal: The SP's emphasis on identity politics clashed with the Congress' attempt to attract voters from different communities. This conflict exposed the lack of a common ideological thread that could unify the alliance and hindered their ability to craft a cohesive strategy. 4. Electoral opportunism: The clash also exposed the pragmatic and opportunistic nature of both parties, prioritizing short-term electoral gains over long-term ideological coherence. The willingness to ally despite divergent ideologies highlighted their focus on electoral arithmetic rather than ideological alignment. 5. Implications for INDIA alliance: The SP-Congress feud raises doubts about the long-term sustainability and viability of the INDIA alliance. Without a shared ideology and common goals, the alliance becomes susceptible to internal conflicts, reducing its effectiveness in addressing broader societal issues and appealing to voters beyond their respective support bases.