by Ashis Sinha
In a significant political development, more than two dozen Indian opposition parties have joined forces to create the “INDIA” (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) with the objective of challenging the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming legislative elections, scheduled to take place by 2024.
The newly formed alliance has pledged to uphold and protect the essence of India as enshrined in the country’s Constitution, particularly in response to what they view as the BJP’s assaults on the principles of the republic.
The historic decision to form the INDIA alliance was announced on July 18th, following a two-day gathering of 26 opposition parties convened in the southern city of Bengaluru.
The opposition parties include: including Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, JD(U), RJD, JMM, NCP (Sharad Pawar), Shiv Sena (UBT), SP, NC, PDP, CPM, CPI, RLD, MDMK, Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK), VCK, RSP, CPI-ML (Liberation), Forward Bloc, IUML, Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Mani), Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), and the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK).
Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the principal opposition Congress party, emphasized that the name INDIA stands for “Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.” He asserted that the primary objective of this coalition is to stand united in defense of democracy and the core principles laid out in the Indian Constitution.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing the gathering, highlighted the significance of the fight against the BJP. He said the fight against BJP is a fight to “defend the idea of India, defend the voice of the Indian people”.
“This battle is not merely a political contest, but a mission to protect and defend the very idea of India and to safeguard the voice of the Indian people,” added Rahul.
With the formation of the INDIA alliance, the political landscape in India is expected to witness a dynamic shift, as these parties aim to present a united front against the ruling BJP in the upcoming elections. As the country awaits the democratic process to unfold, all eyes will be on how this alliance strategy unfolds and impacts the future trajectory of Indian politics.
