The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc is set to hold its fourth meeting today, December 19, in New Delhi. The primary agenda is anticipated to revolve around the allocation of seats in key states, with a deadline of December 31, and a reevaluation of the collective strategy following setbacks in recent Assembly polls.
Leaders from various Opposition parties are struggling with the challenge of formulating an alternative common programme to counter the ruling BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Also Read: Deciphering state elections: Modi’s influence, a resilient Congress and the lesson for INDIA coalition
The INDIA bloc faces the immediate task of consensus-building on the appointment of a convener, a spokesperson, and the establishment of a shared secretariat. This, however, proves tricky due to existing differences among the alliance constituents.
The recent victory of the BJP in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh has also put pressure on Opposition parties to present a unified front.
Sources indicate that parties such as the Samajwadi Party and DMK are nearing finalisation of seat-sharing arrangements with the Congress. Nevertheless, challenges persist with the Samajwadi Party’s willingness to allocate eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, a proposition the Congress seeks to expand, The Indian Express reported.
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Shivpal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party on Sunday expressed confidence saying, “The INDIA alliance will unitedly accomplish the task of removing BJP from the country,” despite ongoing challenges related to seat-sharing and the selection of a prime ministerial candidate.
Yet, states including West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, and Delhi remain points of discussion, with no party willing to give in. As the caste census failed to resonate with voters during state polls, leaders within the INDIA bloc are looking at a revised strategy. Previous attempts to spotlight the caste census in the state elections did not yield the desired results, prompting reassessment of campaign tactics.
Plans for joint opposition rallies also demand quick resolution, as past attempts, including the one scheduled for Bhopal in October, were cancelled.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, undeterred by recent setbacks, asserts a positive agenda moving forward and will highlight people’s issues in the battle against a resurgent BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This meeting marks INDIA bloc’s first meeting in three months, as all activities were temporarily halted due to the five state assembly elections.
The first meeting was held in Patna on June 23, followed by sessions in Bengaluru on July 17-18 and Mumbai between August 31 and September 1, where the 27 participating parties adopted resolutions for a united front in the approaching Lok Sabha elections.
Also Read: Deciphering state elections: Modi’s influence, a resilient Congress and the lesson for INDIA coalition
Also Read: Election results trigger discord within INDIA bloc – Top Developments