In a bid to establish a formidable front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, 26 opposition parties convened in Bengaluru today to strategize and present a united stance. Sources have revealed that the name “I-N-D-I-A,” which stands for the Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance, has been finalized to brand this mega opposition coalition.
During the meeting, various suggestions were put forth, and the acronym I-N-D-I-A emerged as the preferred choice. However, some left-leaning parties expressed their desire to replace the term “Alliance” with “Front,” while others were hesitant about including “NDA” in the coalition’s name.
The initial day of the meeting maintained an informal atmosphere, consisting of discussions and a shared dinner among the attending political representatives. Today, the gathering will adopt a more formal structure, with the primary agenda being the finalization of the grand alliance’s name. Suggestions put forward by all participating parties during the previous dinner meeting will be thoroughly deliberated upon, with the aim of reaching a consensus.
According to insider information, former chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Sonia Gandhi, is expected to be named as the President of the Front. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to assume the role of Convenor. Mrs. Gandhi previously served as UPA chairperson from 2004 to 2014, bringing valuable experience to the table.
To facilitate effective collaboration within the coalition, two subcommittees will be established. The first subcommittee will focus on finalizing a common minimum program and communication points, while the second subcommittee will be responsible for planning joint opposition events, rallies, and conventions.
The opposition meeting in Bengaluru boasts a roster of distinguished attendees. Apart from Mrs. Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Chief Ministers MK Stalin, Nitish Kumar, Arvind Kejriwal, Hemant Soren, Mamata Banerjee, and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad are among the prominent figures present.
However, notable absences include Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) patriarch Sharad Pawar and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader HD Kumaraswamy, who did not attend the first day of the meeting. Although Mr. Pawar arrived in Bengaluru today, it remains uncertain whether Mr. Kumaraswamy will ultimately participate in the gathering.
Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed a warm welcome to all parties willing to combat the BJP’s influence, emphasizing the importance of like-minded opposition parties working closely together. Their shared objectives revolve around promoting social justice, inclusive development, and national welfare. The opposition coalition aims to liberate the Indian people from what they perceive as autocratic and anti-people politics characterized by hate, division, economic inequality, and exploitation. Mallikarjun Kharge succinctly summarized their stance, stating, “United We Stand, for this India.”
Coinciding with the opposition meeting in Bengaluru, the BJP has organized a mega gathering of its own in Delhi, known as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting. In an attempt to showcase their strength, the BJP has invited a total of 38 parties to participate.
As both meetings unfold simultaneously, the political landscape in India braces for a high-stakes battle between the ruling party and the opposition coalition. The decisions made during these gatherings are poised to shape the course of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections and have far-reaching implications for the nation’s future.