Sharad Pawar is always a man with a mission. Whether it is sunshine or pouring rain, his campaign for power and position never ends. But why, after being Chanakya for decades, does he need a strategist? Congress is obstructing his path. He has to tame this elephant to ride on it.

He may be a Chanakya who always remains alert for political opportunities or for exploiting the weaknesses of others. Even Modi acknowledged him as a guru, maybe with a purpose. But all Chanakyas are not of the same calibre. Some are cutthroat professionals, and some are not. 

Pawar is of subtle variety, gentle, soft but conceals that clever and cunning tactical mode to achieve his mission and ambition. He does a balancing act on a tightrope overtly. But his actions are discreet, secretive beyond one’s vision. He keeps his options always open.

Pawar reactivated a Munch to web together 3rd or 4th front. Some leaders and individuals participated in formal or informal discussions. They selectively included some Congress leaders who declined to attend. The obvious undeclared purpose was to explore options without Congress.

Some members eventually broke the truth and spoiled the party, saying there can be no joint Opposition front without Congress. Soon the meeting was declared non-political, attended by individuals. The joke finally came out. They will accommodate Congress in a 2nd front.

One tends to ignore the truth that Congress existed despite the organisational weaknesses for decades. It is so after many divisions, departures of leaders, cadres. It still has widespread support from the masses. It has earned their trust for its principles, policies.

Maybe the non-Congress opposition also wants Congress-Mukt Bharat. It is not going to happen. If BJP goes through its plans and brings about constitutional changes, manoeuvre and manipulate the majority, India may become a ‘regional party Mukt Bharat’.

They negotiate alliances on perceptions. It involves the transferability of votes, how comfortably leaders and cadres work together, how they sabotage prospects of alliance partners to increase their strength and many more. How to make a realistic assessment of strength?

The opposition alliance is viable if there are frank discussions about strengths, weaknesses. It will be practical if it happens between parties concerned in individual states. Collective bargaining by forming a union of the 3rd or 4th front is not going to threaten Congress.