The building blocks of unity: Opposition parties need to do their homework to achieve a unified front

During Parliament session 16 parties had rallied together against demonetization. This unity should have been maintained. For Opposition unity to succeed, some established norms will have to be followed. 
The integration runs the risk of failure if any party indulges in one-upmanship. So before proceeding, the concerned parties need to arrive at a consensus by discussing the issue threadbare through prior consultation and after doing the necessary homework.

The problem in this particular case occurred because of the decision to hold a press conference (PC) on a particular date. We were informed beforehand that this was the date for the PC but at least I did not have any idea as to who would be attending, what is the agenda for the PC and whether there would be any call for a common people’s protest action, about which the Left is very keen.

These are issues that should have normally been discussed before any such decision on any particular date is taken. So I maintain that these 16 parties who had rallied together continue to remain opposed to demonetization but the processes of doing the homework and prior consultation must be undertaken. That is the only way in which such unity can work.

I can say this on the basis of my experience of 26 years. Right from the time of the formation of the VP Singh government in 1989, through the formation of the United Front government in 1996, to the formation of the UPA in 2004, I was virtually involved in all the consultations and negotiations. All these things came about and those who were involved will remember that the consultations, discussions and homework were earnestly taken up.

Without going through that grind, no unity can be maintained or nurtured. I believe that this unity of the 16 parties stitched during Parliament session continues but as far as unified actions and moves are concerned, they will have to be achieved through a process.

 In the coming days, once we move ahead with this process, we expect a joint action in the interest of the people and the country.

What will be done at our party level we all will have to sit down and discuss. We have not discussed that yet. 

It is not just about the coming together of the TMC and the Left; we have been joined by the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, which are at loggerheads with each other. We also have the support of the DMK and AIDMK. All these are matters can be settled when all of us sit together and discuss. Without going into who did what, I am confident that if the above process is maintained, there will be unity. In my opinion the unity is still there. So neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor the BJP can derive solace and comfort on the grounds of any rupture in Opposition unity. 

In conclusion I must say that there is no scope for these misunderstandings. We used to meet everyday when Parliament was in session and devise strategies for the day? We can once again create such a show of unity, even outside Parliament.

The author is National General Secretary of the Communist Party  of India (Marxist)