In a move aimed at countering the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led NDA and dispelling doubts raised by skeptics and critics, a total of 26 Indian opposition political parties have united to form the “INDIA” alliance, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. The decision was announced following a productive two-day meeting held in Bengaluru, where opposition leaders strategized on ways to protect democracy and uphold the principles of the constitution.
The meeting, the second of its kind in a month, saw opposition parties putting aside their differences to build a united front ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The first meeting held last month saw 15 parties agreeing to join forces against the BJP. The formation of this alliance signals a growing determination among the opposition to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.
Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the main opposition Congress party, said “INDIA” stood for “Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.”
“The main aim is to stand together to safeguard democracy and the constitution,” Kharge told reporters at the end of a two-day meeting of 26 opposition parties in the south Indian city of Bengaluru.
The opposition parties, many of which are regional rivals and have been splintered at the national level, account for less than half the 301 seats BJP has in the 542-member lower house of parliament.
They have, however, sought to sink their differences to challenge the BJP after Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi was convicted in a defamation case and disqualified from parliament in March.
Modi coins new full form of NDA in 38 NDA allies meet; Nagaland CM attends meet
Coinciding with the mega opposition conclave in Bengaluru, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also organized a similar meeting on the same day in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering of 38 NDA allies, reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to national progress and the fulfillment of regional aspirations.
The meeting saw the presence of several prominent leaders, including BJP president JP Nadda, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
In a show of strength, Prime Minister Modi coined a new full form for the acronym NDA, naming it “New India, Developed Nation, Aspiration of People of India.” This move by the ruling party came shortly after the opposition alliance named itself “INDIA.”
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, when asked about the meeting stated that the focus was on the upcoming 2024 elections and the agenda centered on preparing for the Lok Sabha 2024.
Taking to Twitter, Rio expressed how he, as a representative of NDPP, was “happy” to join the NDA leaders in commemorating 25 years of NDA. The Chief Minister was seen together with his advisor Abu Metha.
“No alliance has been intact for this long. It reflects the able leadership of Shri @narendramodi Ji. Thankful for his focus & support to the NE region,” he added.
Nagaland Congress President raises concern over Nagaland regional parties aligning with BJP
Meanwhile, reacting to the formation of I.N.D.I.A, the Nagaland Congress President, Supongmeren Jamir has called into question the ideological stance of regional parties in Nagaland who have formed alliances with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.
Expressing his concerns, he emphasized the need for Nagas to reassess their mindset regarding their customs, culture, traditions, and Christian faith in the face of increasing association with a party that is perceived to be promoting the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
“When Hindus and other religions oppose the Hindu Deva RSS promoter BJP, Nagas should not host any elements or parties who act against our Christianity,” Jamir told this newspaper, adding, “Nagaland’s regional parties should be questioned about their party ideologies and principles, who become BJP partners in the state.”
It may be recalled that the Naga People’s Front (NPF) President Shürhozelie Liezietsu was formally invited by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief JP Nadda to attend the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting scheduled for 18 July at 5:00 PM. The NPF Party has acknowledged and appreciated the invitation. However, as of the time of reporting, there has been no confirmation of the NPF President, Shürhozelie Liezietsu, attending the meeting.
