<p>Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of Bihar for a record ninth time on Sunday (Jan 28), flipping from the opposition INDIA alliance to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance). "Now I am back where I was before (in NDA) and now there is no question of going anywhere," the CM assured BJP supporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nitish Kumar hails from the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) party and after his last flip-flop, his now erstwhile government was supported by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Both parties were a part of the INDIA alliance, largely led by the opposition Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nitish Kumar earlier submitted his resignation to the Bihar governor and snapped ties with RJD. Then he again staked a claim for the CM seat with the support of BJP, the second-largest party in the Bihar assembly.</p>

<h2><strong>Bihar Assembly seat composition</strong></h2>

<p>The Bihar Assembly boasts 243 members in total, where the RJD holds the largest ground with 79 MLAs.</p>

<p>The BJP has 78 MLAs&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JD(U) has 45 MLAs</p>

<p>The CPI(M-L)(L) has 12 MLAs</p>

<p>The Congress has 19 MLAs</p>

<p>The HAM (S) has 4 MLAs</p>

<p>The AIMIM has 1 MLA</p>

<p>The CPI(M) has 2 MLAs</p>

<p>The CPI has 2 MLAs</p>

<p>There's one Independent MLA</p>

<p>A political party or alliance needs the support of at least 122 members (more than half) to form the government. The ruling&nbsp;<em>Mahagathbandhan&nbsp;</em>(literally translated as Great Alliance) had 159 MLAs in total, which JDU was a part of.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0JnykUT7TBAuvxBX1hhk_e" data-ved="2ahUKEwihjYucoICEAxUla2wGHfaUByQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bihars-nitish-kumar-ends-his-18-month-long-alliance-with-rjd-congress-to-join-bjp-684558" jsname="YKoRaf">Bihar's Nitish Kumar ends his 18-month-long alliance with RJD &amp; Congress to join BJP</a></strong></p>

<p>Since JDU has now joined hands with BJP, both of them have 123 MLAs in total, just one above the halfway mark. Moreover, the NDA is also backed by the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM [S]), which has 4 MLAs. This puts the NDA government in Bihar in a comfortable position.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Nitish Kumar stakes claim to form a new government in Bihar with BJP</strong></p>

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<p>On the other hand, the opposition&nbsp;<em>Mahagathbandhan</em>&nbsp;is left with just 114 MLAs, which is eight short of the halfway mark.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nitish Kumar attacks&nbsp;<em>Mahagathbandhan</em></strong></h2>

<p>After taking oath for the record ninth time, Nitish Kumar took on&nbsp;the&nbsp;<em>Mahagathbandhan</em>&nbsp;and said the alliance was “not alright” and became so messed up that he had to quit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have not been commenting about anything for long now because things were not right (in the <em>Mahagathbandhan</em>). I was getting opinions and suggestions from everyone, including my party workers. I listened to all of them and resigned today, and ended the current government,” CM Kumar said to reporters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of Bihar for a record ninth time on Sunday (Jan 28), flipping from the opposition INDIA alliance to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance).

Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of Bihar for a record ninth time on Sunday (Jan 28), flipping from the opposition INDIA alliance to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance). "Now I am back where I was before (in NDA) and now there is no question of going anywhere," the CM assured BJP supporters. Nitish Kumar hails from the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) party and after his last flip-flop, his now erstwhile government was supported by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Both parties were a part of the INDIA alliance, largely led by the opposition Congress party. Nitish Kumar earlier submitted his resignation to the Bihar governor and snapped ties with RJD. Then he again staked a claim for the CM seat with the support of BJP, the second-largest party in the Bihar assembly. Bihar Assembly seat composition The Bihar Assembly boasts 243 members in total, where the RJD holds the largest ground with 79 MLAs. The BJP has 78 MLAs The JD(U) has 45 MLAs The CPI(M-L)(L) has 12 MLAs The Congress has 19 MLAs The HAM (S) has 4 MLAs The AIMIM has 1 MLA The CPI(M) has 2 MLAs The CPI has 2 MLAs There's one Independent MLA A political party or alliance needs the support of at least 122 members (more than half) to form the government. The ruling Mahagathbandhan (literally translated as Great Alliance) had 159 MLAs in total, which JDU was a part of. Also read: Bihar's Nitish Kumar ends his 18-month-long alliance with RJD & Congress to join BJP Since JDU has now joined hands with BJP, both of them have 123 MLAs in total, just one above the halfway mark. Moreover, the NDA is also backed by the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM [S]), which has 4 MLAs. This puts the NDA government in Bihar in a comfortable position. Watch: Nitish Kumar stakes claim to form a new government in Bihar with BJP × On the other hand, the opposition Mahagathbandhan is left with just 114 MLAs, which is eight short of the halfway mark. Nitish Kumar attacks Mahagathbandhan After taking oath for the record ninth time, Nitish Kumar took on the Mahagathbandhan and said the alliance was “not alright” and became so messed up that he had to quit. "I have not been commenting about anything for long now because things were not right (in the Mahagathbandhan). I was getting opinions and suggestions from everyone, including my party workers. I listened to all of them and resigned today, and ended the current government,” CM Kumar said to reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

Bihar Assembly in numbers: NDA now backed by 127 MLAs as ‘Mahagathbandhan’ collapses

<p>Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday (Jan 27) claimed that his alliance with the grand old party Congress had commenced on a very "good start" with 11 Lok Sabha seats in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yadav took to his official X account and wrote, "Our cordial alliance with the Congress is off to a good start with 11 strong seats. This trend will move forward with the winning equation. 'INDIA' team and 'PDA' strategy will change history."</p>

<p>The state sends 80 members to the Lower House of Parliament and the Lok Sabha elections are set to take place in April-May this year.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">कांग्रेस के साथ 11 मज़बूत सीटों से हमारे सौहार्दपूर्ण गठबंधन की अच्छी शुरुआत हो रही है… ये सिलसिला जीत के समीकरण के साथ और भी आगे बढ़ेगा।<br />
<br />
‘इंडिया’ की टीम और ‘पीडीए’ की रणनीति इतिहास बदल देगी।</p>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1751150323379708043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in January, Yadav held a meeting with party leaders including former MPs, former MLAs, and former MLCs in Lucknow. He stated that the capacity to win was the most crucial criterion that would be taken into consideration for deciding on seats.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-lose-nitish-kumar-bihar-cm-likely-to-switch-side-to-bjp-very-soon-684199">'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports</a></p>

<p>"We and RLD's Jayant Choudhary had a good conversation. We had a discussion regarding seven seats. We are also in conversation with the Congress. Several meetings have taken place in Delhi. Very soon, more meetings will be held, and a way will be found. The INDIA alliance should be strong; the question is not of (number of) seats but of winning. On the basis of winnability, we all will take a decision together," he said.</p>

<p>The Samajwadi Party chief's announcement also comes amid speculations of Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar's return to the BJP-led NDA.</p>

<p>Kumar had joined forces with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), founded by his staunch foe, Lalu Prasad in August 2022, after he cut ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<p>The longest-serving CM of Bihar subsequently brought together all parties across the country with an aim to take on the BJP which further led to the formation of the opposition bloc INDIA.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday (Jan 27) claimed that his alliance with the grand old party Congress had commenced on a very "good start" with 11 Lok Sabha seats in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday (Jan 27) claimed that his alliance with the grand old party Congress had commenced on a very "good start" with 11 Lok Sabha seats in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Yadav took to his official X account and wrote, "Our cordial alliance with the Congress is off to a good start with 11 strong seats. This trend will move forward with the winning equation. 'INDIA' team and 'PDA' strategy will change history." The state sends 80 members to the Lower House of Parliament and the Lok Sabha elections are set to take place in April-May this year. कांग्रेस के साथ 11 मज़बूत सीटों से हमारे सौहार्दपूर्ण गठबंधन की अच्छी शुरुआत हो रही है… ये सिलसिला जीत के समीकरण के साथ और भी आगे बढ़ेगा। ‘इंडिया’ की टीम और ‘पीडीए’ की रणनीति इतिहास बदल देगी। — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) January 27, 2024 × Earlier in January, Yadav held a meeting with party leaders including former MPs, former MLAs, and former MLCs in Lucknow. He stated that the capacity to win was the most crucial criterion that would be taken into consideration for deciding on seats. Also read: 'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports "We and RLD's Jayant Choudhary had a good conversation. We had a discussion regarding seven seats. We are also in conversation with the Congress. Several meetings have taken place in Delhi. Very soon, more meetings will be held, and a way will be found. The INDIA alliance should be strong; the question is not of (number of) seats but of winning. On the basis of winnability, we all will take a decision together," he said. The Samajwadi Party chief's announcement also comes amid speculations of Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar's return to the BJP-led NDA. Kumar had joined forces with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), founded by his staunch foe, Lalu Prasad in August 2022, after he cut ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The longest-serving CM of Bihar subsequently brought together all parties across the country with an aim to take on the BJP which further led to the formation of the opposition bloc INDIA. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Akhilesh Yadav says poll alliance with Congress ‘off to a good start’

In what could be another setback for the opposition's I.N.D.I.A bloc ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is gearing up to part ways with the much-anticipated 28-party alliance.

Reports: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to leave opposition's I.N.D.I.A alliance

<p>INDIA, the alliance of opposition parties trying to cobble together a united alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received two major shocks on Wednesday as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won't ally with Indian National Congress in the state. The announcement came mere hours after West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee announced similar position in her state.</p>

<p>Both political parties are part of the INDIA alliance which comprises 28 opposition parties, including the Congress and the CPI(M)-led Left Front.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | TMC, AAP leaders rule out seat-sharing in Punjab, West bengal</strong></p>

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<p>Punjab chief minister's statement has come at a time AAP and the Congress are discussing seat sharing in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Gujarat for general elections in the country due in a few months.</p>

<p>While he was replying to a question about AAP's alliance with Congress, Mann said, “Punjab will become a hero in the country and the AAP will win 13-0 in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.”</p>

<p>When he was prodded further about whether it was the final decision he said, “We are not going with them (Congress).”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-cm-himanta-sarma-warns-he-will-arrest-congress-leader-rahul-gandhi-683266">Assam CM Himanta Sarma warns he will arrest Congress leader Rahul Gandhi</a></strong></p>

<p>Mann added further that discussions were already underway for AAP's probable candidates for 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and 40 probable names had come up.</p>

<p>“There are three to four probable candidates per Lok Sabha constituency. Surveys will be conducted and we have kept winnabilty as the criterion (for fielding a candidate),” he said.</p>

<p>The Punjab CM said that several state leaders from the party were against alliance with Congress in Punjab.</p>

<h2><strong>Situation in West Bengal</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unequivocally said that the Trinamool Congress will contest on all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state on its own and there will be no alliance with Congress.</p>

<p>"I had no discussions with the Congress. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I gave them (the Congress) many proposals... but they rejected them. I am not concerned about what will be done in the (rest of the) country... but we are a secular party and, in Bengal, we alone will defeat BJP," said Banerjee. She expressed her unhappiness that though former Congress president Rahul Gandhi was coming to West Bengal with his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay' march, she was not informed of it.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-tmcs-solo-act-in-bengal-shake-india-alliance-mamata-says-will-fight-on-all-42-seats-alone-683142">Can TMC's solo act in Bengal shake INDIA alliance? Mamata says will fight on all 42 seats 'alone'</a></strong></p>

<p>Congress has struck conciliatory tone after Banerjee's statements.</p>

<p>"TMC is a pillar of the INDIA alliance. We cannot imagine the INDIA alliance without Mamata ji. Tomorrow our Yatra is entering West Bengal. Discussions regarding seat sharing are being done and a result will come soon that will keep everyone satisfied...," said Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


INDIA, the alliance of opposition parties trying to cobble together a united alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received two major shocks on Wednesday as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won't ally with Indian National Congress in the state.

INDIA, the alliance of opposition parties trying to cobble together a united alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received two major shocks on Wednesday as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won't ally with Indian National Congress in the state. The announcement came mere hours after West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee announced similar position in her state. Both political parties are part of the INDIA alliance which comprises 28 opposition parties, including the Congress and the CPI(M)-led Left Front. Watch | TMC, AAP leaders rule out seat-sharing in Punjab, West bengal × Punjab chief minister's statement has come at a time AAP and the Congress are discussing seat sharing in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Gujarat for general elections in the country due in a few months. While he was replying to a question about AAP's alliance with Congress, Mann said, “Punjab will become a hero in the country and the AAP will win 13-0 in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.” When he was prodded further about whether it was the final decision he said, “We are not going with them (Congress).” Also Read | Assam CM Himanta Sarma warns he will arrest Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Mann added further that discussions were already underway for AAP's probable candidates for 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and 40 probable names had come up. “There are three to four probable candidates per Lok Sabha constituency. Surveys will be conducted and we have kept winnabilty as the criterion (for fielding a candidate),” he said. The Punjab CM said that several state leaders from the party were against alliance with Congress in Punjab. Situation in West Bengal Earlier in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unequivocally said that the Trinamool Congress will contest on all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state on its own and there will be no alliance with Congress. "I had no discussions with the Congress. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I gave them (the Congress) many proposals... but they rejected them. I am not concerned about what will be done in the (rest of the) country... but we are a secular party and, in Bengal, we alone will defeat BJP," said Banerjee. She expressed her unhappiness that though former Congress president Rahul Gandhi was coming to West Bengal with his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay' march, she was not informed of it. Also Read | Can TMC's solo act in Bengal shake INDIA alliance? Mamata says will fight on all 42 seats 'alone' Congress has struck conciliatory tone after Banerjee's statements. "TMC is a pillar of the INDIA alliance. We cannot imagine the INDIA alliance without Mamata ji. Tomorrow our Yatra is entering West Bengal. Discussions regarding seat sharing are being done and a result will come soon that will keep everyone satisfied...," said Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh. (With inputs from agencies)

Another shock to INDIA alliance: Punjab CM says AAP to contest all seats in state

Ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the unity efforts of the opposition I.N.D.I.A. Alliance seem to be already coming under strain. The challenges became evident at a recent meeting of the bloc in New Delhi, when the Chief Minister of the state of Bihar Nitish Kumar lost his cool with DMK leader T.R. Baalu who asked for an English translation of his Hindi speech.

Crucial I.N.D.I.A alliance meet: Will Nitish Kumar break the unity of INDIA grouping? | World DNA

<p>As India gears up for its national elections scheduled between April and May 2024, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been designated as the chairperson of the Opposition's INDIA alliance. The appointment was finalised during a virtual summit attended by the leaders of 14 Opposition parties constituting the alliance. The primary agenda of the meeting revolved around discussions on seat allocation for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Notably, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was given the role of the convener but he refused it. He reportedly said that he would want someone from the Congress party to take up the convener's post. Also, Kumar was quoted as saying that he would only accept the role once all the parties were in consensus on the decision.</p>

<p>This comes as Janata Dal (United) had been exerting pressure within the coalition for Nitish Kumar's appointment as the convener. Interestingly, the TMC chief, Mamata Banerjee, opted to abstain from the meeting.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-ceremony-is-momentous-occasion-top-mauritius-minister-tells-wion-679558">‘Ram temple consecration ceremony is momentous occasion,’ top Mauritius minister tells WION</a></p>

<p>INDIA, an acronym for 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance,' comprises various opposition parties, with the Congress being a prominent member.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-guwahati-bound-indigo-flight-ends-up-in-dhaka-after-emergency-landing-heres-why-679545">India: Guwahati-bound Indigo flight ends up in Dhaka after emergency landing. Here's why</a></p>

<p>The coalition was formed by the opposition parties to challenge the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the helm at&nbsp;the centre. The INDIA alliance wants to thwart NDA's bid for a third consecutive term in the 2024 elections where in 543 members of the lower house of Parliament will be elected by the people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections this year, media reports citing sources have revealed that the INDIA bloc will not present a common manifesto and instead, each party within the alliance will articulate its own manifesto.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, the said sources also revealed that the bloc will collaborate on a shared agenda.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-tech-sector-outlook-for-2024-679567">Indian Tech sector outlook for 2024</a></strong></p>

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<p>Seat-sharing talks earlier saw a deadlock. TMC did not join the latest INDIA&nbsp;alliance meeting. A leader of the party previously stated that the reason for not indulging in seat-sharing is the "Congress' impractical demand for eight to 10 seats in West Bengal, considering that the vote share of the country's oldest national party had dwindled to just three per cent in the 2021 state Assembly polls."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As India gears up for its national elections scheduled between April and May 2024, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been designated as the chairperson of the Opposition's INDIA alliance.

As India gears up for its national elections scheduled between April and May 2024, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been designated as the chairperson of the Opposition's INDIA alliance. The appointment was finalised during a virtual summit attended by the leaders of 14 Opposition parties constituting the alliance. The primary agenda of the meeting revolved around discussions on seat allocation for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. Notably, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was given the role of the convener but he refused it. He reportedly said that he would want someone from the Congress party to take up the convener's post. Also, Kumar was quoted as saying that he would only accept the role once all the parties were in consensus on the decision. This comes as Janata Dal (United) had been exerting pressure within the coalition for Nitish Kumar's appointment as the convener. Interestingly, the TMC chief, Mamata Banerjee, opted to abstain from the meeting. Also Read | ‘Ram temple consecration ceremony is momentous occasion,’ top Mauritius minister tells WION INDIA, an acronym for 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance,' comprises various opposition parties, with the Congress being a prominent member. Also Read | India: Guwahati-bound Indigo flight ends up in Dhaka after emergency landing. Here's why The coalition was formed by the opposition parties to challenge the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the helm at the centre. The INDIA alliance wants to thwart NDA's bid for a third consecutive term in the 2024 elections where in 543 members of the lower house of Parliament will be elected by the people. In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections this year, media reports citing sources have revealed that the INDIA bloc will not present a common manifesto and instead, each party within the alliance will articulate its own manifesto. Nevertheless, the said sources also revealed that the bloc will collaborate on a shared agenda. Watch | Indian Tech sector outlook for 2024 × Seat-sharing talks earlier saw a deadlock. TMC did not join the latest INDIA alliance meeting. A leader of the party previously stated that the reason for not indulging in seat-sharing is the "Congress' impractical demand for eight to 10 seats in West Bengal, considering that the vote share of the country's oldest national party had dwindled to just three per cent in the 2021 state Assembly polls." (With inputs from agencies)

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appointed INDIA bloc chairperson, Nitish rejects convener’s post

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement on Saturday that the INDIA alliance would meet in “10 to 15 days” to make decisions about key posts has not gone down well with the JD(U) that has been pushing to get its party chief and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar appointed the bloc’s convener.

Seat sharing talks still in pre-mature stage | INDIA alliance faces uphill battle

<p>The opposition INDIA alliance on Sunday (Jan 7) finalised its seat sharing in Bihar, ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. A formula of 17+17+4+2 has been decided for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The formula was decided during a meeting between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The ruling Janata Dal (United) and the RJD will contest the election on 17 seats each.</p>

<p>The Congress will contest the poll on four Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat. The remaining two seats in the Lok Sabha will be given to the Left parties.</p>

<p>Sunday's meeting in New Delhi was attended by RJD leader Manoj Jha, and Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Salman Khurshid and Mukul Wasnik.</p>

<p>Following the meeting, Salman Khurshid said, "The meeting will continue with various parties. In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment."</p>

<p>"In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment," Khurshid said, adding a meeting with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be held on Monday.</p>

<p>A meeting with the JD(U) will be held in the next 1-2 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The INDIA alliance is a group of 28 opposition parties including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and the AAP. Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's name as a prime ministerial candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The general election in India is expected to be held between April and May 2024 to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha- Parliament's lower house. The tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha will end on June 16. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive victory in the general election.</p>


The opposition INDIA alliance on Sunday (Jan 7) finalised its seat sharing in Bihar, ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. A formula of 17+17+4+2 has been decided for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

The opposition INDIA alliance on Sunday (Jan 7) finalised its seat sharing in Bihar, ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. A formula of 17+17+4+2 has been decided for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The formula was decided during a meeting between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The ruling Janata Dal (United) and the RJD will contest the election on 17 seats each. The Congress will contest the poll on four Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat. The remaining two seats in the Lok Sabha will be given to the Left parties. Sunday's meeting in New Delhi was attended by RJD leader Manoj Jha, and Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Salman Khurshid and Mukul Wasnik. Following the meeting, Salman Khurshid said, "The meeting will continue with various parties. In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment." "In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment," Khurshid said, adding a meeting with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be held on Monday. A meeting with the JD(U) will be held in the next 1-2 days. The INDIA alliance is a group of 28 opposition parties including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and the AAP. Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's name as a prime ministerial candidate. The general election in India is expected to be held between April and May 2024 to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha- Parliament's lower house. The tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha will end on June 16. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive victory in the general election.

Lok Sabha poll: INDIA alliance’s seat sharing in Bihar finalised. Details here

<p>Multiple media reports have said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge should be projected as prime ministerial candidate from the INDIA alliance for Lok Sabha elections next year. Kharge turned down the suggestion saying the first priority should be working together for winning majority in the elections.</p>

<p>News agency ANI quoted VCM parliamentarian Thol. Thirumavalavan who said that Banerjee, along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the proposal favouring Kharge to be the PM face and co-ordinator of the INDIA bloc. Thirumavalan said that Kharge rejected the proposal.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Record number of Opposition MPs suspended from Indian Parliament</strong></p>

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<p>Kharge clarified his stance on this in media interaction after the meeting.</p>

<p>"First, all of us have to win, we should think about what needs to be done for victory. Who will be PM, this will be decided later. If there are less MPs, what is the point of talking about PM. First, to increase our numbers, (by) coming together, we will try to bring majority. First we will try to win," he said as quoted by ANI.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mumbai-resident-ordered-food-worth-over-50000-on-food-aggregator-app-670033">Mumbai resident ordered food worth over $50,000 on food aggregator app</a></strong></p>

<p>Kerala Congress leader PJ Joseph however has said that Banerjee Didi not take any names and pressed for a 'Dalit PM'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She did not suggest so. While she spoke, Mamata Banerjee said that it would be good if we could project a Dalit PM. She did not say the name of any person. The matter was not discussed much because she spoke last," Joseph told ANI.</p>

<p>Kharge, who is former Union minister, is from the Dalit community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leaders from 28 parties attended the fourth meeting of the 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance' (INDIA) bloc in New Delhi.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maharashtra-greenlights-new-city-called-third-mumbai-671386">Maharashtra greenlights new city called 'Third Mumbai': Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The bloc is attempting to cobble together a united front of opposition parties to topple BJP in upcoming general elections. Dislodging PM Narendra Modi-led BJP and its allies from central government is still being considered to be a tough task.</p>

<p>The BJP is currently riding high on good performance in recently concluded elections in several Indian states.</p>

<p>The latest meeting of the INDIA bloc was held as the political temperature is on the rise due suspension of 141 MPs from the Indian Parliament. The unprecedented development has taken place just as parliament is holding the winter session.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Multiple media reports have said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge should be projected as prime ministerial candidate from the INDIA alliance for Lok Sabha elections next year.

Multiple media reports have said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge should be projected as prime ministerial candidate from the INDIA alliance for Lok Sabha elections next year. Kharge turned down the suggestion saying the first priority should be working together for winning majority in the elections. News agency ANI quoted VCM parliamentarian Thol. Thirumavalavan who said that Banerjee, along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the proposal favouring Kharge to be the PM face and co-ordinator of the INDIA bloc. Thirumavalan said that Kharge rejected the proposal. Watch | Record number of Opposition MPs suspended from Indian Parliament × Kharge clarified his stance on this in media interaction after the meeting. "First, all of us have to win, we should think about what needs to be done for victory. Who will be PM, this will be decided later. If there are less MPs, what is the point of talking about PM. First, to increase our numbers, (by) coming together, we will try to bring majority. First we will try to win," he said as quoted by ANI. Also Read | Mumbai resident ordered food worth over $50,000 on food aggregator app Kerala Congress leader PJ Joseph however has said that Banerjee Didi not take any names and pressed for a 'Dalit PM'. "She did not suggest so. While she spoke, Mamata Banerjee said that it would be good if we could project a Dalit PM. She did not say the name of any person. The matter was not discussed much because she spoke last," Joseph told ANI. Kharge, who is former Union minister, is from the Dalit community. Leaders from 28 parties attended the fourth meeting of the 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance' (INDIA) bloc in New Delhi. Also Read | Maharashtra greenlights new city called 'Third Mumbai': Report The bloc is attempting to cobble together a united front of opposition parties to topple BJP in upcoming general elections. Dislodging PM Narendra Modi-led BJP and its allies from central government is still being considered to be a tough task. The BJP is currently riding high on good performance in recently concluded elections in several Indian states. The latest meeting of the INDIA bloc was held as the political temperature is on the rise due suspension of 141 MPs from the Indian Parliament. The unprecedented development has taken place just as parliament is holding the winter session. (With inputs from agencies)

INDIA alliance meet: Mamata Banerjee proposes Cong president Kharge’s name for PM, he refuses

<p>India’s key opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc will hold a strategic meeting today in New Delhi to formulate the election strategy ahead of the 2024 general polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to media reports, discussions are expected around seat-sharing arrangement, joint campaign in the Lok Sabha elections and recent suspension of 78 Members of Parliament (MPs) by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>On Monday (Dec 18), a whopping 78 MPs, all from opposition parties, were suspended amidst protests regarding the shocking parliament security breach last week.</p>

<p>The MPs, both from Lok Sabha (lower house) and Rajya Sabha (Upper house), were demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah issue a statement over the issue.</p>

<p>The suspension of 78 MPs came days after 14 other opposition MPs were suspended from the parliament last week.</p>

<p>The unprecedented action against opposition MPs in the parliament prompted sharp reactions from top ‘INDIA’ bloc leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Telecommunications Bill 2023: Mordernising India's telecom sector, know all about the bill</strong></p>

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<p>Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was also suspended, said, “This government has reached the apex of dictatorship. They have the majority, and they are wielding the stick of power.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They want to run Parliament like a party office. But that cannot happen. We were eager for a discussion. The productivity of Parliament before December 13 is for all to see. It seems they find it easier to talk to the media, but are scared to speak in Parliament," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>West Bengal CM sets the stage</strong></h2>

<p>Setting the stage for the INDIA bloc meeting, West Bengal CM and a fierce opponent of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Mamata Banerjee said their joint PM candidate will only be announced after polls.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, highlighting rifts in the bloc, Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party called on the chief opposition Congress party to abandon its so-called "Zamindari culture."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-in-indias-draft-telecom-bil-2023-what-are-the-proposed-provisions-670965"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Explained | What is in India`s draft Telecom Bill 2023? What are the proposed provisions?</strong></a></p>

<p>TMC urged Congress to work towards presenting senior leaders like Mamata Banerjee as the face of the alliance.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP fires shot</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP unit of West Bengal state on Monday meanwhile took a shot at CM Banerjee for “realising the inadequacy of fighting alone against the BJP.”</p>

<p>"The CM (Mamata Banerjee) has understood that they aren't enough to fight alone with the BJP... That's why they're all trying to come together..." said Sukanta Majumdar, West Bengal BJP president.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India’s key opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc will hold a strategic meeting today in New Delhi to formulate the election strategy ahead of the 2024 general polls. According to media reports, discussions are expected around seat-sharing arrangement, joint campaign in the Lok Sabha elections and recent suspension of 78 Members of Parliament (MPs) by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India’s key opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc will hold a strategic meeting today in New Delhi to formulate the election strategy ahead of the 2024 general polls. According to media reports, discussions are expected around seat-sharing arrangement, joint campaign in the Lok Sabha elections and recent suspension of 78 Members of Parliament (MPs) by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Monday (Dec 18), a whopping 78 MPs, all from opposition parties, were suspended amidst protests regarding the shocking parliament security breach last week. The MPs, both from Lok Sabha (lower house) and Rajya Sabha (Upper house), were demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah issue a statement over the issue. The suspension of 78 MPs came days after 14 other opposition MPs were suspended from the parliament last week. The unprecedented action against opposition MPs in the parliament prompted sharp reactions from top ‘INDIA’ bloc leaders. Watch: Telecommunications Bill 2023: Mordernising India's telecom sector, know all about the bill × Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was also suspended, said, “This government has reached the apex of dictatorship. They have the majority, and they are wielding the stick of power.” “They want to run Parliament like a party office. But that cannot happen. We were eager for a discussion. The productivity of Parliament before December 13 is for all to see. It seems they find it easier to talk to the media, but are scared to speak in Parliament," he added. West Bengal CM sets the stage Setting the stage for the INDIA bloc meeting, West Bengal CM and a fierce opponent of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Mamata Banerjee said their joint PM candidate will only be announced after polls. Meanwhile, highlighting rifts in the bloc, Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party called on the chief opposition Congress party to abandon its so-called "Zamindari culture." Also read: Explained | What is in India`s draft Telecom Bill 2023? What are the proposed provisions? TMC urged Congress to work towards presenting senior leaders like Mamata Banerjee as the face of the alliance. BJP fires shot The BJP unit of West Bengal state on Monday meanwhile took a shot at CM Banerjee for “realising the inadequacy of fighting alone against the BJP.” "The CM (Mamata Banerjee) has understood that they aren't enough to fight alone with the BJP... That's why they're all trying to come together..." said Sukanta Majumdar, West Bengal BJP president. (With inputs from agencies)

INDIA bloc meeting: India’s key opposition parties gather to discuss 2024 roadmap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed India's progress and shed light on the global crisis in a recent interview carried out by the publication Jagran. From the recent Parliament breach to the opposition India Alliance here are the top five takeaways from Prime Minister Modi's interview.

PM Modi interview: From recent Parliament breach to the opposition India Alliance

After the Congress’s poor show in the recent Assembly Polls, the JD(U) has renewed its demand to project party supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as probable prime minister face of the India Bloc, adding that the party’s brand of politics would dominate the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Earlier, TMC projected Mamata for INDIA alliance's PM candidate

I.N.D.I.A alliance yet to decide on seat sharing

Amid reports of differences cropping up between various parties in the INDIA bloc, the alliance has decided to reschedule the meeting of party heads to the third week of December. Earlier Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had called a meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders for December 6. Instead, the 14-member coordination panel will meet at Mr. Kharge’s residence on Wednesday.

Key opposition alliance leaders decided to skip I.N.D.I.A meet

<p>In a potential&nbsp;overhaul that could reset the central identification point of the Indian Republic, top Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hinted that the official name of the Indian Republic is set to be changed.<br />
<br />
"REPUBLIC OF BHARAT - happy and proud that our civilisation is marching ahead boldly towards AMRIT KAAL," Sarma wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<p>Sarma's post on 'X' was interpreted by many as the ruling party's leader's confirmation of reports which claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is set to bring a resolution to effect a potential change of name&nbsp;during the scheduled special session of Indian parliament later this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jairam Ramesh, the leader of India's principal opposition party Congress, also took to X and pointed out that an invite for a state dinner from Rashtrapati Bhawan — the official residence of the President of India&nbsp;— was sent as that from the 'President of Bharat' and not 'President of India', as was the case before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So the news is indeed true," Jairam Ramesh wrote on X.</p>

<p>"Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on Sept 9th in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'."</p>

<p>"Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: 'Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States.'&nbsp;But now even this 'Union of States'&nbsp;is under assault," Ramesh added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION can confirm that the invite cited by Jairam Ramesh was indeed sent in the name of the 'President of Bharat'.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">G20 dinner invite for 9th September from President of Bharat <a href="https://t.co/pGMICzoZqF">pic.twitter.com/pGMICzoZqF</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1698950911840919781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jairam Ramesh, in another post on X, deemed it an attack on I.N.D.I.A. alliance of opposition parties. Founded in July 2023, the&nbsp;Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance is a big-tent political alliance of 26 political parties led by the Indian National Congress. The alliance aims to take on Prime Minister Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party, aiming to seek a third term next year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Article 1 of Indian Constitution</strong></h2>

<p>Article 1 of the Indian Constitution&nbsp;declares that 'India, that is Bharat' is a 'Union of States'. The inaugural article of India's constitution further defines India's territory as well as its nomenclature-related aspects.</p>

<h2><strong>No constitutional objection to calling India, 'Bharat': Shashi Tharoor</strong></h2>

<p>Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, a&nbsp;former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, took to X and said:&nbsp;"While there is no constitutional objection to calling India 'Bharat', which is one of the country’s two official names, I hope the government will not be so foolish as to completely dispense with 'India', which has incalculable brand value built up over centuries. We should continue to use both words rather than relinquish our claim to a name redolent of history, a name that is recognised around the world."</p>

<h2><strong>India and Bharat: The names which characterise world's largest democracy</strong></h2>

<p>The word 'India' comes from the word 'Indus', named after Indus (or Sindhu)&nbsp;river that flows through Tibet, India's Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir, and traverses most of Pakistan.</p>

<p>The Greeks and Iranians called it 'Hindos' or 'Indos' meaning the land to the east of the river called Indus. Following colonial conquests by the Dutch, French, and British,&nbsp;it was used for the country of India.</p>

<p>In an ancient Indian text, <em>Vishnu Purana</em>, the name Bharat finds mention as the landmass that lies north of the ocean and south of snow mountains. It states:</p>

<p><em><strong>Uttaraṃ yatsamudrasya himādreścaiva dakṣiṇam<br />
varṣaṃ tadbhārataṃ nāma bhāratī yatra santatiḥ</strong></em></p>

<p><em>This shloka means:</em>&nbsp;<em>“The country (Varsam) that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharatam; there live the descendants of Bharata.</em></p>

<p>Constitutionally, Bharat is the official Sanskrit name of the country,&nbsp;<em>Bharat Ganarajya; Republic of India. </em></p>

<p>So far, the names Bharat and India have often been used interchangeably, and Bharat is interpreted as an indigenous translation of the word India. The passports issued to Indian citizens, too, bear the official names Bharat Ganrajya (in Hindi)&nbsp;and Republic of India (in English).</p>

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In a potential overhaul that could reset the central identification point of the Indian Republic, top Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hinted that the official name of the Indian Republic is set to be changed.

In a potential overhaul that could reset the central identification point of the Indian Republic, top Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hinted that the official name of the Indian Republic is set to be changed. "REPUBLIC OF BHARAT - happy and proud that our civilisation is marching ahead boldly towards AMRIT KAAL," Sarma wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Sarma's post on 'X' was interpreted by many as the ruling party's leader's confirmation of reports which claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is set to bring a resolution to effect a potential change of name during the scheduled special session of Indian parliament later this month. Jairam Ramesh, the leader of India's principal opposition party Congress, also took to X and pointed out that an invite for a state dinner from Rashtrapati Bhawan — the official residence of the President of India — was sent as that from the 'President of Bharat' and not 'President of India', as was the case before. "So the news is indeed true," Jairam Ramesh wrote on X. "Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on Sept 9th in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'." "Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: 'Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States.' But now even this 'Union of States' is under assault," Ramesh added. WION can confirm that the invite cited by Jairam Ramesh was indeed sent in the name of the 'President of Bharat'. G20 dinner invite for 9th September from President of Bharat pic.twitter.com/pGMICzoZqF — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 5, 2023 × Jairam Ramesh, in another post on X, deemed it an attack on I.N.D.I.A. alliance of opposition parties. Founded in July 2023, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance is a big-tent political alliance of 26 political parties led by the Indian National Congress. The alliance aims to take on Prime Minister Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party, aiming to seek a third term next year. Article 1 of Indian Constitution Article 1 of the Indian Constitution declares that 'India, that is Bharat' is a 'Union of States'. The inaugural article of India's constitution further defines India's territory as well as its nomenclature-related aspects. No constitutional objection to calling India, 'Bharat': Shashi Tharoor Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, took to X and said: "While there is no constitutional objection to calling India 'Bharat', which is one of the country’s two official names, I hope the government will not be so foolish as to completely dispense with 'India', which has incalculable brand value built up over centuries. We should continue to use both words rather than relinquish our claim to a name redolent of history, a name that is recognised around the world." India and Bharat: The names which characterise world's largest democracy The word 'India' comes from the word 'Indus', named after Indus (or Sindhu) river that flows through Tibet, India's Jammu and Kashmir, and traverses most of Pakistan. The Greeks and Iranians called it 'Hindos' or 'Indos' meaning the land to the east of the river called Indus. Following colonial conquests by the Dutch, French, and British, it was used for the country of India. In an ancient Indian text, Vishnu Purana, the name Bharat finds mention as the landmass that lies north of the ocean and south of snow mountains. It states: Uttaraṃ yatsamudrasya himādreścaiva dakṣiṇam varṣaṃ tadbhārataṃ nāma bhāratī yatra santatiḥ This shloka means: “The country (Varsam) that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharatam; there live the descendants of Bharata. Constitutionally, Bharat is the official Sanskrit name of the country, Bharat Ganarajya; Republic of India. So far, the names Bharat and India have often been used interchangeably, and Bharat is interpreted as an indigenous translation of the word India. The passports issued to Indian citizens, too, bear the official names Bharat Ganrajya (in Hindi) and Republic of India (in English). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India as it was known in ancient times

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