Congress coalition

[Congress’ rumble within IE: 27 Jul 2010 Neerja Chowdhury

Chidambaram is clearly emerging as a hawk, pursuing a tough line against the Maoists and Pakistan, a stance favoured by a large section of the middle class. … Chidambaram is increasingly coming to occupy the right of centre space, catering to the sentiment of the urban Indians, many of whom had viewed with favour — or backed — the BJP, particularly in north India. …

The second wannabe, Digvijay Singh, seems to be positioning himself in the left of centre mould, contra-distinct from the niche that Chidambaram is carving out for himself.]

The Congress split at Surat in 1907 between moderates and extremists. Now the party is emulating Vajpayee and Advani who enacted different roles representing contrasting poles. [TNM]