| 18 July 2023
After the second day of the Opposition meeting in Bengaluru, opposition parties have revealed the new name for their alliance - Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), to take on the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The 26 parties gathered in Bengaluru for a dinner meeting, setting the stage for formal closed-door talks scheduled for Tuesday. This meeting marks the second gathering of Opposition parties aiming to present a united front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming general elections in 2024. Priyanka Chaturvedi, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), took to Twitter to announce the name, declaring that the contest for the Lok Sabha in 2024 will be between "Team INDIA and Team NDA."
Chaturvedi's tweet read, "So 2024 will be. Team INDIA Vs Team NDA. Chak De, INDIA!" The conclusion of the meeting was followed by a joint statement issued by opposition leaders, pledging to "present to the nation an alternative political, social, and economic agenda."
The statement released by the Opposition criticized the ruling BJP on various fronts, ranging from the Manipur crisis to what they deemed as the "misuse" of central agencies. Expressing concern over the humanitarian tragedy in Manipur, the statement highlighted the silence of the Prime Minister, which it deemed "shocking and unprecedented." It also accused the BJP-led government of attempting to "weaken the federal structure of our polity" and expressed the Opposition's determination to combat the ongoing assault on the rights of state governments.
Moreover, the joint statement accused the BJP of "targeting, persecuting, and suppressing" people, while also alleging the party of running a "poisonous campaign of hate."
The Opposition leaders promised to transform governance in the country, advocating for a more "consultative, democratic, and participative" approach, as stated in the joint statement.
Looking ahead, the Congress and 25 other parties emphasized that the crucial meeting would shape the narrative and potentially prove to be a "game changer" for the Indian political landscape. It is expected that the opposition parties will announce the formation of two sub-committees. One will be responsible for finalizing the common minimum program and communication points, while the other will create a blueprint for jointly pursuing critical issues.
In their efforts to maintain unity leading up to the Lok Sabha polls, the opposition parties will also try to identify potential areas of conflict and confrontation that leaders may prefer to avoid. This strategic approach aims to ensure a strong and cohesive opposition front.
Coinciding with the Opposition meeting in Bengaluru, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is convening in Delhi, where some new allies are expected to join the BJP-led coalition.
With a total of 38 parties slated to attend the Delhi conclave, the BJP is keen on showcasing a robust display of solidarity. This event, the first NDA meeting during Prime Minister Modi's second term, underscores the party's commitment to forging alliances, particularly at a time when opposition parties have been actively working towards unity in preparation for the 2024 elections.
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