It has been officially announced that the opposition alliance, which aims to challenge the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, will be named the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made this announcement on Tuesday following a meeting of 26 opposition parties in Bengaluru. Kharge emphasized the significance of the meeting in safeguarding democracy and the country’s constitution for the welfare of its people.
During the meeting, various issues were discussed, and the resolution adopted received unanimous support from the attendees. “Our alliance will be called the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA),” stated Kharge. Furthermore, an 11-member coordination committee will be established, and its composition will be finalized in the next meeting, scheduled to take place in Mumbai. The dates for the Mumbai meeting will be announced shortly.
Kharge added that a common secretariat will be established in Delhi to manage the campaign effectively. Moreover, specific committees will be formed to address various concerns. A joint statement has been approved by the attending parties, signifying their commitment to work together.
Kharge took the opportunity to launch a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that his attempts to unite fragmented parties indicate his fear of the opposition. “Although we have our differences, we have set them aside for the greater good. We stand united for the sake of our nation,” Kharge affirmed. He expressed confidence in the alliance’s ability to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as a unified front and achieve success.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while acknowledging the presence of all the leaders, referred to Rahul Gandhi as ‘our favorite’ during her remarks at the press conference. Regarding the chosen name for the alliance, Banerjee challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asking if they could stand against INDIA. She emphasized the alliance’s love for the motherland, their dedication to the welfare of farmers and Dalits, and their commitment to the country and the world.
Banerjee accused the central government of engaging solely in the business of buying and selling governments. She expressed her belief that INDIA would emerge victorious, while the BJP would face defeat.
The top leaders of the 26 opposition parties engaged in extensive deliberations in Bengaluru to formulate a united strategy to counter the ruling NDA in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls.