Opposition alliance decides to name itself I.N.D.I.A

Top leaders of 26 opposition parties met in Bengaluru to discuss a united strategy to take on the ruling BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Opposition parties' meet in Bengaluru. Credit: PTI Photo

The Opposition grouping has named itself 'I.N.D.I.A' – Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance – a leader who attended the meeting said.

The decision was taken at a meeting of 26 parties here. "I.N.D.I.A finalised," a senior Opposition leader told DH.

Earlier, some sections had reservations about giving a name to the alliance. The meeting was attended by top leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, Nitish Kumar, among others.

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"Chak De! INDIA," tweeted Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien even as the meeting was underway.

Chak De! INDIA

— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও'ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) July 18, 2023

Congress chief Kharge said, "Together, we are in government in 11 states today."

"The BJP did not get 303 seats by itself. It used the votes of its allies and came to power and then discarded them. The BJP President and their leaders are running from state-to-state to patch up with their old allies. They are scared that the unity they see here will result in their defeat next year," he said.

Every institution is being turned into a weapon against the Opposition, he alleged. "Our intention in this meeting is not to gain power for ourselves. It is to protect democracy, secularism and social justice. Let us resolve to take India back to the path of progress, welfare and true democracy" he said.