"Nothing new in their alliance": Union Minister Pabitra Margherita dismisses opposition unity as ‘old political theatre’

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Tuesday, took a jibe at the opposition alliance, dismissing its show of unity as 'old political theatre' driven by “minority appeasement” and devoid of any concrete agenda.

Responding to questions on the Opposition’s attempts to consolidate forces ahead of upcoming political battles, Margherita said there was “nothing new” about the alliance. “If there was anything new, the BJP would have had an opportunity to observe what the Opposition had actually done,” he remarked, taking a swipe at what he described as a recycled coalition formula. In a pointed dig, he said their unity had been “witnessed for years at Hotel Leela,” suggesting that closed-door meetings and optics had replaced grassroots engagement.

The BJP leader further alleged that the so-called grand alliance was driven solely by minority appeasement politics and lacked a clear developmental roadmap. According to him, the electorate has repeatedly rejected such formations because they fail to offer a credible vision for governance and growth.

Earlier in the day, Margherita inaugurated a newly constructed rest house named “Bishranti” at Jawaharlal Nehru College, Boko. Built at an estimated cost of around Rs 15 lakh from his MPLADS funds, the facility is expected to serve students and visiting faculty of the institution, which caters to a large population in the greater Boko region. He said the initiative was aimed at strengthening educational infrastructure and easing logistical challenges faced by students.

Reflecting on his long association with the area, Margherita recalled that he had first visited Boko nearly three decades ago along with Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg. It was Garg who introduced him to the region, he said, adding that since then he has attended numerous programmes and maintained close ties with the local community.

Expressing satisfaction over the completion of the rest house, the Minister clarified that the financial assistance from his MP fund was extended purely out of goodwill. He underlined that the support had no political linkage and was meant solely to contribute to the academic and social ecosystem of the region.