The Department of Political Science at the Easwari School of Liberal Arts (ESLA), SRM University-AP, Amaravati organised an engaging and thought-provoking guest lecture on “Fragmentation and Crisis of Opposition: (Un)Making of Parliamentary Opposition in India.” The session was delivered by Dr Rupak Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Science at VIT Vellore, whose scholarly insights provided a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of opposition politics in India.

Drawing extensively from memoirs of prominent political leaders, archival newspaper sources, and parliamentary debates, Dr Kumar traced the historical trajectory of opposition politics in post-independence India. He highlighted how the nature, strength, and cohesion of opposition parties have shifted over time, shaped by changing political contexts, electoral dynamics, and institutional developments. Emphasising the foundational role of opposition in a parliamentary democracy, he noted that a strong and effective opposition is essential not only for holding the government accountable but also for safeguarding democratic values, ensuring transparency, and enabling constructive policy deliberation.

Dr Kumar further examined the contemporary challenges confronting opposition politics, including fragmentation, ideological dilution, and the decline of institutional robustness. He raised concerns about the gradual erosion of liberal democratic norms and the shrinking space for dissent, urging the need for structural and institutional reforms to revitalise the role of opposition within India’s democratic framework. His lecture prompted critical reflection on whether the weakening of opposition undermines the very essence of democratic governance.

The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, and research scholars, who actively engaged in discussions and posed insightful questions on current political developments. The interactive nature of the lecture fostered a vibrant academic dialogue, encouraging attendees to critically analyse the functioning of democratic institutions in India.

The event stands as a testament to ESLA’s continued commitment to nurturing interdisciplinary learning, critical inquiry, and informed civic engagement. By facilitating such discussions, the institution aims to equip students and scholars with the analytical tools necessary to engage meaningfully with pressing socio-political issues and contribute to the strengthening of democratic processes.