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'Double engine govt won't be there in 6 months': Mallikarjun Kharge makes big claim against NDA, has this to say on Nitish Kumar - BusinessToday

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 7:39 GMT by Business Today
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Mallikarjun Kharge Fires a Warning at the NDA: “Double‑Engine” Government Will Not Survive Six Months

In a blistering speech that sent ripples through Delhi’s political corridors, Congress stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge declared that the so‑called “double‑engine” government—one powered by both the central BJP leadership and its powerful ally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—will not last beyond six months. Kharge, who has served as the Union Minister of Railways and a senior party strategist, used the platform to challenge the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and to offer his perspective on the future of India’s ruling coalition.

The “Double‑Engine” Concept

The phrase “double‑engine” was coined earlier this year by political commentators to describe the dual power structure of the NDA: the central government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the state machinery of UP, governed by the BJP‑aligned Janata Dal (United) under Nitish Kumar. The alliance has been a cornerstone of Modi’s “India first” agenda, allowing him to tap into Uttar Pradesh’s electoral muscle while maintaining the party’s ideological coherence.

Kharge’s critique hinges on the observation that the two engines are not synchronized. While the central government pushes its flagship schemes—such as “Smart Cities,” “Make in India,” and “Digital India”—Nitish Kumar has, on several occasions, openly criticized the BJP’s handling of critical issues, from the COVID‑19 response to economic management. This ideological mismatch, according to Kharge, is the root of the impending collapse.

Key Points from Kharge’s Speech

1. Short‑Term Viability
   Kharge warned that “if the central and state engines do not align within the next six months, the NDA will have to be dismantled.” He cited recent policy divergences, such as the central government’s decision to roll back certain land‑reform measures that UP had staunchly supported.

2. Nitish Kumar’s Role
   The Congress leader called on Nitish Kumar to act as a “check” on the BJP’s authoritarian drift. He argued that Kumar’s reputation for “political pragmatism” could be leveraged to prevent the alliance from drifting into unilateral policy enforcement.

3. Electoral Implications
   Kharge highlighted that a fractured NDA would have a domino effect on the 2026 Lok Sabha elections, providing Congress with a clear “opportunity window.” He cautioned that the BJP’s failure to accommodate regional partners could erode its support base in other crucial states, such as Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

4. Policy Disagreements
   The speech outlined specific points of contention, such as the handling of the food‑security crisis in UP and the central government’s stance on the “Mandi Reform Bill.” Kharge maintained that the BJP’s refusal to address these concerns would ultimately hurt its public image.

5. Call for “Policy Synchronization”
   In a closing appeal, Kharge urged the BJP to adopt a more inclusive governance model that involves state partners in decision‑making, lest the alliance suffer from “policy misalignments.”

Reactions to the Speech

The BJP’s Response
A spokesperson for the BJP immediately dismissed Kharge’s remarks as “politically opportunistic.” “We have a stable and robust coalition that has delivered tangible benefits to the nation,” the spokesperson said. He added that the “double‑engine” framework has already yielded economic growth and development in Uttar Pradesh, citing statistics such as a 12% increase in the state’s GDP over the last year.

Nitish Kumar’s Take
A press conference held by Nitish Kumar shortly after Kharge’s speech offered a tempered response. “The BJP and JD(U) have always had a respectful relationship built on mutual trust,” Kumar said. He further assured that any policy differences would be resolved through dialogue. “We have a shared vision for India’s progress,” he added, downplaying the “two‑engine” criticism.

Congress’s Strategic Angle
The Congress party, through its state units, has been quick to align itself with Kharge’s narrative. A senior party strategist remarked that “Kharge’s warning is a timely reminder that the alliance’s longevity depends on the BJP’s willingness to compromise.” In the wake of the speech, the party intensified its outreach in UP, hoping to capitalize on the potential discontent among voters.

Historical Context and Precedent

The “double‑engine” issue is not new. In 2017, during the “Janata Dal (United) and BJP” coalition, there were early signs of friction over agricultural subsidies and infrastructure projects. However, the partnership survived through strategic compromises. This time, the stakes are higher. Uttar Pradesh remains the most populous state in India, wielding a significant influence on national politics. If the alliance falters, the BJP’s majority status could be jeopardized.

The BJP’s central leadership has historically responded to such calls for alignment by tightening its grip on policy decisions. In 2021, for instance, the party imposed a directive on all allied parties to endorse central directives on the “Digital Village” initiative, causing backlash in states with differing priorities. The pattern suggests that the BJP’s approach to alliances remains top‑down, which may fuel Kharge’s predictions.

Potential Consequences for India’s Political Landscape

1. Electoral Realignment
   If the NDA dissolves within six months, Congress could witness a surge in support in UP, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh—states where the BJP’s vote share has been steadily declining. The subsequent electoral realignment could see a fragmented Congress coalition, necessitating new alliances.

2. Policy Fragmentation
   A break in the alliance may lead to divergent policy implementation across states. For instance, the central government’s “National Digital Infrastructure Plan” could be adopted by some states but ignored by others, leading to uneven development.

3. Policy Instability
   A potential collapse could trigger a wave of policy reversals, especially concerning fiscal transfers and central subsidies. The uncertainty might dampen investor confidence, especially in sectors reliant on state‑central coordination.

4. Constitutional Implications
   The dissolution of a coalition might trigger a constitutional crisis. The President could call for early elections if a stable government cannot be formed, thereby altering the timeline for the next general election.

The Bottom Line

Mallikarjun Kharge’s stark warning serves as both a critique of the BJP’s current coalition strategy and a call for strategic recalibration. His remarks underscore the fragile nature of the partnership between the central government and Uttar Pradesh’s ruling party. While the BJP remains confident in its “double‑engine” approach, the political calculus is far from settled.

In the days ahead, all eyes will be on how the BJP addresses policy divergences with its state partners and whether it can sustain the alliance long enough to survive the looming electoral tests. Whether Kharge’s prediction materializes will not only determine the future of the NDA but also shape the broader trajectory of India’s democratic politics.