Nando Bodha Made a Strategic Blunder by Hinting Linion Reform Might Be Jugnauth’s “Second Army”
In a startling admission during a recent press conference, Nando Bodha, co-leader of the newly formed Linion Reform alliance, made a significant strategic blunder that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Bodha hinted that during Sir Anerood Jugnauth’s reign, there was a “chain of generals and lieutenants” controlling constituencies throughout Mauritius and that pravind Jugnauth has lost control. This statement has inadvertently suggested that the alliance, far from being a beacon of change, might be positioning itself as Pravind Jugnauth’s second army, tasked with preserving his hold on power rather than bringing real reform.
The formation of Linion Reform, a coalition between Roshi Bhadain’s Reform Party and Linion Moris, had originally inspired hope for a fresh political direction. The Reform Party had initially championed 80 sweeping reforms, promising a new beginning for the country. But now, this alliance appears to have another agenda—splitting the opposition vote in key urban areas, especially targeting the MMM (Mauritian Militant Movement), while strategically avoiding rural constituencies, where Pravind Jugnauth’s MSM has its stronghold. This tactic has led many to question whether the alliance is truly interested in challenging the ruling party or simply shielding it from losing power.
Bodha’s recent comments about needing a “second army” to fight Navin Ramgoolam’s Labour Party have only reinforced the perception that Linion Reform is only playing a mercenary role, designed to keep Jugnauth’s grip on power secure. Instead of putting forward bold reforms, the alliance seems to be propping up the status quo, particularly in avoiding direct confrontation with Jugnauth in rural areas. This selective deployment of their best candidates suggests that Linion Reform is less about disrupting the political order and more about undermining the opposition to ensure Jugnauth’s dominance continues.
Adding to the skepticism is Nando Bodha’s personal history. After more than 30 years within the MSM, Bodha’s departure from the party was seen as an opportunity for him to blow the whistle on the internal workings of the regime. However, to the dismay of many, Bodha has revealed little to no scandal about the MSM’s dealings. Despite spending decades at the heart of the ruling party, he has exposed no offshore accounts, no hidden donor who have bankrolled the MSM for years, and no serious internal corruption scandals. This raises questions about Bodha’s true motivations: Was his exit from the MSM simply a calculated political maneuver, or was it a missed opportunity to reveal the extent of the party’s hold on power?
Furthermore, Roshi Bhadain, leader of the Reform party, has faced his own controversies. Known for surrounding himself with an army of online tiktokers or social media propagandist, Reform party has been accused of manipulating online public opinion using fake bots in much the same way that Prighozin’s did using Internet Research Agency to manipulation the 2016 US election by Russia, using social media to create the image of an unstoppable reformer. Yet, behind this facade, serious doubts remain about his commitment to real inclusivity and reform. Bruneau Laurette, a prominent activist, has publicly accused Bhadain of refusing to work with a Creole-Christian Prime Minister, casting further doubt on the alliance’s integrity. Bhadain’s recent angry outburst against activist Daren the activist—for simply asking a question—only highlights the danger of a politician acting like what appear to be an authoritarian figure by shouting at a Journalist.
This uneasy dynamic between Bodha and Bhadain only adds to the confusion surrounding Linion Reform’s leadership. While Bodha has admitted that there is no single leader in the alliance, his comments about attempting to make decisions “without discomfort” reveal a lack of cohesion that is troubling for a group seeking to lead a nation. Meanwhile, Bhadain’s aggressive approach to silencing dissent raises serious concerns about democratic transparency within the alliance.
Bodha’s admission that Pravind Jugnauth is now “alone” and must face Ramgoolam’s army alone—while implying that Linion Reform is Jugnauth’s “second cadre of lieutenants”—paints a troubling picture. Far from being a movement of reform, the alliance looks more like a mercenary force tasked with protecting Jugnauth by dividing opposition votes and ensuring he stays in power. Roshi Bhadain’s suggestion that they are now the only ones tasked with stopping Ramgoolam at all cost from regaining power casts Linion Reform in a deeply troubling light—as a political tool, not a force for change.
Nando Bodha’s strategic blunder has exposed Linion Reform’s true intentions for all to see. By inadvertently admitting that the alliance might serve as Jugnauth’s “second army,” Bodha has shattered any illusion that Linion Reform stands for genuine reform. Instead, the alliance appears to be primarily concerned with maintaining the political status quo, shielding Jugnauth from losing power, and undermining the real opposition. For voters hoping for a new beginning, this revelation is both disheartening and alarming.
Benjamin Franklin II
Reposted
