Opposition Unveils "INDIA" - A United Front against NDA

July 18, 2023

In a significant development, the Opposition parties, after their second-day meeting in Bengaluru, have announced the formation of a united front to take on the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming 2024 General Elections. The alliance has been named "Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance" (INDIA), as revealed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi through a Twitter announcement.

The meeting, attended by 26 progressive parties, took place over dinner in Bengaluru, setting the stage for formal closed-door discussions scheduled for Tuesday. The primary objective of the gathering was to strategize and present a united opposition against the NDA ahead of the upcoming electoral battle.

Priyanka Chaturvedi's tweet proclaimed, "So 2024 will be. Team INDIA Vs Team NDA. Chak De, INDIA!", emphasizing the new alliance's determination and spirit to challenge the incumbent government.

In a joint statement issued after the conclusion of the meeting, the opposition leaders



pledged to offer the nation an "alternative political, social, and economic agenda." They expressed their firm commitment to safeguarding the essence of India, as enshrined in the Constitution, while criticizing the BJP on various fronts, including the Manipur crisis and alleged misuse of central agencies.

The opposition's concern over the situation in Manipur was explicitly expressed in the statement, questioning the silence of the Prime Minister on the matter, which they deemed shocking and unprecedented.

The Congress and 25 other parties consider this meeting as a potential "game changer" for the Indian political landscape. The opposition is expected to form two sub-committees: one to finalize the common minimum programme and communication points and another to create a blueprint for joint pursuit of critical issues.

Moreover, the opposition parties intend to identify potential areas of conflict and confrontation among their ranks to maintain unity in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls.

NDA's Counter Move

Concurrently with the Opposition's Bengaluru meeting, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has organized a gathering in Delhi. The event, attended by a total of 38 parties, is aimed at showcasing a strong display of solidarity among the coalition members.

This meeting holds particular significance as it marks the first NDA gathering during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term, underlining the party's commitment to forging alliances amid the active efforts of the opposition parties to unite in preparation for the 2024 elections.

The NDA is eager to consolidate its support base by welcoming new allies into the fold, further strengthening its position for the upcoming electoral contest.

As the political landscape heats up, both the NDA and the newly formed INDIA alliance are poised to engage in fierce campaigning and vie for the public's mandate in what is expected to be a closely contested General Election. The outcome of this electoral battle will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the world's largest democracy.