Opposition unity-meeting
It was only a few days back that the leaders of 26 Opposition political parties from across India joined hands to form the INDIA coalition — the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance to challenge the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP, in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. However, cracks have already started appearing in the ‘INDIA’ alliance of the opposition parties. Punjab Congress seems to be ‘unhappy’ with Congress joining hands with Aam Aadmi Party. Punjab LoP Partap Singh Bajwa outrightly rejected the idea of stitching an alliance with AAP in the Punjab 2024 Parliamentary elections. On the other hand, AAP’s Spokesperson in Punjab, Malvinder Kang said that the alliance has been formed in the national interest.
After the second day of the opposition meeting in Bengaluru on July 18, the Opposition parties decided to name their alliance I-N-D-I-A (Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance). Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge briefed ‘I-N-D-I-A’ and said, “All parties are happy with this name”. Rahul Gandhi attacked BJP and said, “The fight is against BJP and its ideology. This fight is between India and Narendra Modi”. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee challenged NDA-led Govt and said, “Can you challenge I-N-D-I-A?". Thereafter, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, “We have gathered here not for ourselves but to save the country from hatred”. Earlier today, several Opposition leaders also shared tweets, indicating that such a name was being considered. Taking to Twitter, Congress Lok Sabha MP Manickam Tagore said, “INDIA will win”. Taking to Twitter, TMC MP Derek O`Brien wrote, “Chak De! INDIA”. 26 like-minded parties met in Bengaluru to discuss a united strategy to take on the ruling BJP in 2024 LS polls. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi also attended the 2nd Opposition meeting in Bengaluru. Prominent leaders such as Mamata Banerjee, Mehbooba Mufti, Arvind Kejriwal and Nitish Kumar were also present at the meeting. NCP Chief Sharad Pawar who skipped the meeting on the first day, arrived at the venue to attend the second-day of the meeting. As per reports, the Opposition parties may discuss the issue of EVM and suggest reforms to the Election Commission.
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