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<p>As many as 63 leaders from 28 parties of the newly-minted opposition coalition of India Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will be assembling in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Thursday(August 31) for a two-day meeting to hammer out differences and develop a coherent strategy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting comes a little more than a month after the alliance parties met in Bengaluru to show a singular, strong front. Thursday's meeting, however, is the group's first effort at moving beyond symbolism and resolving the divisive issues&nbsp;currently plaguing the alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the alliance is likely to unveil a common logo as well as chalk a mega public outreach programme. The grouping and its leaders might also brainstorm ideas about a social media strategy, fix dates and venues for the next meeting and arrive at a common ground on contentious issues such as the use of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machine).</p>

<p>Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad hinted that the decision to name a convener for the bloc was likely to be made on the second day of the meeting, despite a section of the bloc feeling there is no need for a convener right now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fault lines may have started to emerge even before the meeting. A Congress social media post on the meeting featured Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi at the centre while other leaders were omitted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/we-have-decided-to-fight-elections-together-says-nitish-kumar-after-opposition-meet-608017"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;We have decided to fight elections together', says Nitish Kumar after opposition meet</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>INDIA needs to get its act right&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>With less than a year to go for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the battle lines have been drawn between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and INDIA. If the opposition manages to stick the landing by addressing the thorny issues, then only it might stand a chance to dethrone the BJP government, argue experts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alliance, born&nbsp;out of political conveniences as well as desperation, is possibly the last-ditch attempt by the opposition to cobble together a grouping that can halt the charging juggernaut of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/here-to-save-democracy-opposition-parties-convene-in-bengaluru-for-mega-meeting-616402" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | 'Here to save democracy...': Indian opposition parties convene in Bengaluru for mega meeting</strong></a></p>

<p>In the last two general elections, the NDA, led by PM Modi has decimated the opposition, rendering the Indian parliament devoid of a challenger that can put the government in dock or disrupt proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As many as 63 leaders from 28 parties of the newly-minted opposition coalition of India Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will be assembling in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Thursday(August 31) for a two-day meeting to hammer out differences and develop a coherent strategy.

As many as 63 leaders from 28 parties of the newly-minted opposition coalition of India Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will be assembling in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Thursday(August 31) for a two-day meeting to hammer out differences and develop a coherent strategy. The meeting comes a little more than a month after the alliance parties met in Bengaluru to show a singular, strong front. Thursday's meeting, however, is the group's first effort at moving beyond symbolism and resolving the divisive issues currently plaguing the alliance. According to reports, the alliance is likely to unveil a common logo as well as chalk a mega public outreach programme. The grouping and its leaders might also brainstorm ideas about a social media strategy, fix dates and venues for the next meeting and arrive at a common ground on contentious issues such as the use of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machine). Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad hinted that the decision to name a convener for the bloc was likely to be made on the second day of the meeting, despite a section of the bloc feeling there is no need for a convener right now. The fault lines may have started to emerge even before the meeting. A Congress social media post on the meeting featured Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi at the centre while other leaders were omitted. Watch | We have decided to fight elections together', says Nitish Kumar after opposition meet × INDIA needs to get its act right With less than a year to go for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the battle lines have been drawn between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and INDIA. If the opposition manages to stick the landing by addressing the thorny issues, then only it might stand a chance to dethrone the BJP government, argue experts. The alliance, born out of political conveniences as well as desperation, is possibly the last-ditch attempt by the opposition to cobble together a grouping that can halt the charging juggernaut of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also read | 'Here to save democracy...': Indian opposition parties convene in Bengaluru for mega meeting In the last two general elections, the NDA, led by PM Modi has decimated the opposition, rendering the Indian parliament devoid of a challenger that can put the government in dock or disrupt proceedings. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moving beyond symbolism?: Opposition alliance INDIA to hold two-day meeting in Mumbai

<p>Just a day after 26 political parties in India announced their decision to take on the ruling party BJP under the alliance name 'INDIA' (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), a police complaint has been registered against the aforementioned parties.</p>

<p>The complaint alleges that these 26 opposition parties are making "improper" use of the name INDIA "for undue influence".</p>

<h2><strong>INDIA vs NDA</strong></h2>

<p>Gearing up for the next year's Indian Lok Sabha elections, 26 opposition political parties had announced that they would take on BJP in under the alliance name 'INDIA'.</p>

<p>The parties quickly coined "INDIA vs NDA" to stress upon this significant election battle.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-vs-india-bjp-opposition-parties-names-their-alliance-india-617061">NDA vs INDIA: Opposition renames alliance from UPA to INDIA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls</a></strong></p>

<p>However, since then a police complaint has been lodged at Barakhamba Police Station in Delhi against the 26 opposition political parties' "improper use of the name of INDIA and use of the said name for the undue influence and personation at elections."</p>

<h2><strong>The complainant seeks action against parties</strong></h2>

<p>Behind this complaint, as per news agency ANI is a person by the name of Dr Avinish Mishra.</p>

<p>Mishra has reportedly requested "necessary action" against the parties.</p>

<p>He has filed the complaint against the more than two dozen parties namely, Indian National Congress (INC); All India Trinamool Congress (TMC); Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK); Aam Aadmi Party (AAP); Janata Dal (United); Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD); Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM); Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar; Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC); People's Democratic Party (PDP); Communist Party of India (Marxist); Communist Party of India (CPI); Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP); Shiv Sena (UBT); Samajwadi Party (SP); Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD); Apna Dal (Kamerawadi); All India Forward Bloc; Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK); Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK); Kongunadu Makkal Desai Katchi (KMDK); Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist); Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK); Indian Union Muslim League (IUML); and Kerala Congress (M); Kerala Congress (Joseph).</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-mp-and-wfi-chief-brij-bhushan-singh-granted-interim-bail-in-sexual-harassment-case-617050">BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh granted interim bail in sexual harassment case</a></strong></p>

<p>The complaint alleges that the "act of the afore-named political parties to name their alliance as 'INDIA' has certainly hurt the sentiments of all Indians who identify themselves as citizens of 'INDIA'."</p>

<p>The complaint has been filed under Section 2(c) of the Emblems Act which defines "name" to include any abbreviation of a name, and Section 5 of the Emblems Act, which provides for a punishment with a fine which may extend to 500 rupees to be imposed on any person who is found to be contravening provisions of Section 3 of the Emblems Act.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Just a day after 26 political parties in India announced their decision to take on the ruling party BJP under the alliance name 'INDIA' (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), a police complaint has been registered against the aforementioned parties.

Just a day after 26 political parties in India announced their decision to take on the ruling party BJP under the alliance name 'INDIA' (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), a police complaint has been registered against the aforementioned parties. The complaint alleges that these 26 opposition parties are making "improper" use of the name INDIA "for undue influence". INDIA vs NDA Gearing up for the next year's Indian Lok Sabha elections, 26 opposition political parties had announced that they would take on BJP in under the alliance name 'INDIA'. The parties quickly coined "INDIA vs NDA" to stress upon this significant election battle. Also read | NDA vs INDIA: Opposition renames alliance from UPA to INDIA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls However, since then a police complaint has been lodged at Barakhamba Police Station in Delhi against the 26 opposition political parties' "improper use of the name of INDIA and use of the said name for the undue influence and personation at elections." The complainant seeks action against parties Behind this complaint, as per news agency ANI is a person by the name of Dr Avinish Mishra. Mishra has reportedly requested "necessary action" against the parties. He has filed the complaint against the more than two dozen parties namely, Indian National Congress (INC); All India Trinamool Congress (TMC); Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK); Aam Aadmi Party (AAP); Janata Dal (United); Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD); Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM); Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar; Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC); People's Democratic Party (PDP); Communist Party of India (Marxist); Communist Party of India (CPI); Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP); Shiv Sena (UBT); Samajwadi Party (SP); Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD); Apna Dal (Kamerawadi); All India Forward Bloc; Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK); Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK); Kongunadu Makkal Desai Katchi (KMDK); Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist); Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK); Indian Union Muslim League (IUML); and Kerala Congress (M); Kerala Congress (Joseph). Also read | BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh granted interim bail in sexual harassment case The complaint alleges that the "act of the afore-named political parties to name their alliance as 'INDIA' has certainly hurt the sentiments of all Indians who identify themselves as citizens of 'INDIA'." The complaint has been filed under Section 2(c) of the Emblems Act which defines "name" to include any abbreviation of a name, and Section 5 of the Emblems Act, which provides for a punishment with a fine which may extend to 500 rupees to be imposed on any person who is found to be contravening provisions of Section 3 of the Emblems Act. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Complaint filed against opposition parties for using alliance name ‘INDIA’ for ‘undue influence’

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<p>With less than a year to go for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the battle lines have been drawn between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition parties. On Tuesday (July 18), during the mega gathering of 26 parties in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, the opposition leaders decided to name their new coalition as Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, a clever play on the acronym that reads INDIA.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Earlier, we were UPA and now all the 26 parties have given a name to the opposition and that is – Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Everybody has agreed upon this, and the resolution for the name was passed unanimously," said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, adding that "well begun" was "half done".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Alliance borne out of political conveniences</strong></h2>

<p>The alliance, borne out of political conveniences as well as desperation is possibly the last-ditch attempt by the opposition to cobble together a grouping that can halt the charging juggernaut of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the last two general elections, the NDA, led by PM Modi has decimated the opposition, rendering the Indian parliament devoid of a challenger that can put the government in dock or disrupt proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alliance experiment is delicate — one that will require extreme precision from all opposition parties to pull through. The joint opposition, in its draft agenda, has talked about setting up a committee for drafting the common minimum programme and&nbsp; communication&nbsp; points - the foundation to build upon. Additionally, the alliance is set to discuss seat sharing on a state-to-state basis during its next gathering, set to take place in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Can opposition get over the seat-sharing hurdle?</strong></h2>

<p>The seat-sharing formula is the decisive point where most experts feel the alliance will be tested to the hilt. Would West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be on board with Congress and Left parties contesting elections in the state? Would Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal allow Congress to compete in the capital once again and divide the votes? These are a few of the burning questions that most political pundits and voters are actively seeking answers to.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If a consensus is not found on the issue, the alliance might be dead-on-arrival. However, in the fortunate circumstance that middle ground is found, another challenge quickly stares down the barrel - who will be the prime ministerial candidate?</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-vs-india-bjp-opposition-parties-names-their-alliance-india-617061" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | NDA vs INDIA: Opposition renames alliance from UPA to INDIA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Who will spar against PM Modi?</strong></h2>

<p>If the opposition believes that it will be able to win against PM Narendra Modi without a credible and powerful face squaring up against him, the battle could be over before it begins. No matter how the narrative is turned, India and Bharat, still vote for a face and Modi has been a darling of the middle class of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The truth of the matter is that PM Modi and his gargantuan stature dwarfs most political leaders in India. There are a handful of leaders in the opposition that can go toe-to-toe against him. Kharge has pointed out Congress is not interested in “either power or the prime ministerial post" but if the push comes to shove, will Rahul Gandhi be projected as the alternative? And if Congress has its way, how will the other partners react to it?&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/we-have-decided-to-fight-elections-together-says-nitish-kumar-after-opposition-meet-608017"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;We have decided to fight elections together', says Nitish Kumar after opposition meet</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/here-to-save-democracy-opposition-parties-convene-in-bengaluru-for-mega-meeting-616402#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>Foreshadowing the fissures?</strong></h2>

<p>Despite Kharge claiming that the opposition front was off to a solid start after rechristening itself, statements that might foreshadow the end of the alliance have started doing the rounds of the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Congress claimed it was Rahul Gandhi who coined the&nbsp;name of the&nbsp;new alliance, TMC leaders said it was their supremo Mamata Banerjee who engineered the name. Similarly, AAP and other coalition partners went ahead and attempted to quietly gobble up the credit pie.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the hunger for credit is so evident at the first achievement, it looks highly improbable how the coalition will function when it will be up against the well-oiled election machinery of BJP-led NDA led by the astute Amit Shah.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/38-vs-26-ruling-nda-and-opposition-parties-hold-meetings-to-assert-dominance-616974" target="_blank"><strong>Also read: 38 vs 26: India's ruling NDA and opposition parties hold meetings to assert dominance</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>The quest for alternative&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It is not the first instance when the opposition has posited banding together to take on the ruling power. Ever since the emergence of coalition governments in the late 90s and early 2000s, the opposition parties, bar Congress and BJP have tried to come up with the idea of a strong 'Third Front'. The idea was to band all the regional parties in one big basket and go hammer and tongs against the established players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The idea looked decent, some might say, brilliant on paper but never materialised in reality. The 'Third Front' propped up before every election but the final outline always remained blurry, disjointed and in the end, a failed exercise.&nbsp;</p>

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With less than a year to go for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the battle lines have been drawn between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition parties.

With less than a year to go for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the battle lines have been drawn between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition parties. On Tuesday (July 18), during the mega gathering of 26 parties in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, the opposition leaders decided to name their new coalition as Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, a clever play on the acronym that reads INDIA. "Earlier, we were UPA and now all the 26 parties have given a name to the opposition and that is – Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Everybody has agreed upon this, and the resolution for the name was passed unanimously," said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, adding that "well begun" was "half done". Alliance borne out of political conveniences The alliance, borne out of political conveniences as well as desperation is possibly the last-ditch attempt by the opposition to cobble together a grouping that can halt the charging juggernaut of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the last two general elections, the NDA, led by PM Modi has decimated the opposition, rendering the Indian parliament devoid of a challenger that can put the government in dock or disrupt proceedings. The alliance experiment is delicate — one that will require extreme precision from all opposition parties to pull through. The joint opposition, in its draft agenda, has talked about setting up a committee for drafting the common minimum programme and communication points - the foundation to build upon. Additionally, the alliance is set to discuss seat sharing on a state-to-state basis during its next gathering, set to take place in Mumbai. Can opposition get over the seat-sharing hurdle? The seat-sharing formula is the decisive point where most experts feel the alliance will be tested to the hilt. Would West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be on board with Congress and Left parties contesting elections in the state? Would Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal allow Congress to compete in the capital once again and divide the votes? These are a few of the burning questions that most political pundits and voters are actively seeking answers to. If a consensus is not found on the issue, the alliance might be dead-on-arrival. However, in the fortunate circumstance that middle ground is found, another challenge quickly stares down the barrel - who will be the prime ministerial candidate? Also read | NDA vs INDIA: Opposition renames alliance from UPA to INDIA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls Who will spar against PM Modi? If the opposition believes that it will be able to win against PM Narendra Modi without a credible and powerful face squaring up against him, the battle could be over before it begins. No matter how the narrative is turned, India and Bharat, still vote for a face and Modi has been a darling of the middle class of India. The truth of the matter is that PM Modi and his gargantuan stature dwarfs most political leaders in India. There are a handful of leaders in the opposition that can go toe-to-toe against him. Kharge has pointed out Congress is not interested in “either power or the prime ministerial post" but if the push comes to shove, will Rahul Gandhi be projected as the alternative? And if Congress has its way, how will the other partners react to it? Watch | We have decided to fight elections together', says Nitish Kumar after opposition meet × Foreshadowing the fissures? Despite Kharge claiming that the opposition front was off to a solid start after rechristening itself, statements that might foreshadow the end of the alliance have started doing the rounds of the internet. While Congress claimed it was Rahul Gandhi who coined the name of the new alliance, TMC leaders said it was their supremo Mamata Banerjee who engineered the name. Similarly, AAP and other coalition partners went ahead and attempted to quietly gobble up the credit pie. If the hunger for credit is so evident at the first achievement, it looks highly improbable how the coalition will function when it will be up against the well-oiled election machinery of BJP-led NDA led by the astute Amit Shah. Also read: 38 vs 26: India's ruling NDA and opposition parties hold meetings to assert dominance The quest for alternative It is not the first instance when the opposition has posited banding together to take on the ruling power. Ever since the emergence of coalition governments in the late 90s and early 2000s, the opposition parties, bar Congress and BJP have tried to come up with the idea of a strong 'Third Front'. The idea was to band all the regional parties in one big basket and go hammer and tongs against the established players. The idea looked decent, some might say, brilliant on paper but never materialised in reality. The 'Third Front' propped up before every election but the final outline always remained blurry, disjointed and in the end, a failed exercise. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | Will the new opposition alliance INDIA be able to topple the Modi juggernaut?

<p>Leaders of the opposition parties have&nbsp;decided to name their alliance INDIA which stands for ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’ on Tuesday, July 18, at the ongoing&nbsp;meeting in Bengaluru city of India's southern Karnataka state, announced Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge at a press conference.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Earlier, the new name of the opposition alliance had been&nbsp;revealed in tweets by leaders of opposition parties RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) and Shiv Sena (UBT).</p>

<p>Leaders from 26 opposition parties that are in power in Delhi and 10 other states — individually or in alliance — gathered in Bengaluru for a two-day meeting starting Monday&nbsp; to discuss a strategy to take on the Narendra Modi-led NDA (National Democratic&nbsp;Alliance) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<h2><strong>Chak De, INDIA</strong></h2>

<p>As news trickled about the name being under consideration, Congress Lok Sabha MP Manickam Tagore said on Twitter, "INDIA will win."</p>

<p>"Chak De! INDIA," tweeted Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien even as the meeting was underway.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-mp-and-wfi-chief-brij-bhushan-singh-granted-interim-bail-in-sexual-harassment-case-617050">BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh granted interim bail in sexual harassment case</a></strong></p>

<p>As per people aware of the matter, former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had mooted the name for the grouping at the meeting in Patna last month. However, certain reports said, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal suggested the name, while&nbsp;others suggested&nbsp;that former Lok Sabha member Rahul Gandhi is behind the catchy name.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wow, It is INDIA 🇮🇳 vs BJP 🚩 now.<br />
<br />
Every Indian are going to vote for INDIA in 2024 and must <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveDemocracy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaveDemocracy</a> ✊<br />
<br />
I - Indian<br />
N - National<br />
D - Democratic<br />
I - Inclusive<br />
A - Alliance <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDIA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDIA</a> 🇮🇳💥 <a href="https://t.co/kAx6YCgvG7">pic.twitter.com/kAx6YCgvG7</a></p>
— Congress For India (@INC4IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/INC4IN/status/1681251647106990081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">𝐈 - 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧<br />
𝐍 - 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥<br />
𝐃 - 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥<br />
𝐈 - 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞<br />
𝐀 - 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞<br />
<br />
𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀 की जीत होगी 🇮🇳</p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1681257381458751488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">INDIA 🇮🇳 will win</p>
— Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳✋மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) <a href="https://twitter.com/manickamtagore/status/1681229208322965511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Rajya Sabha MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi too confirmed the alliance name on Twitter. In a tweet, she wrote "So 2023 will be Team INDIA Vs Team NDA".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So 2024 will be<br />
<br />
Team INDIA<br />
Vs<br />
Team NDA<br />
<br />
Chak De, INDIA!</p>
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankac19/status/1681234495125725184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">विपक्षी एकता का नया नाम "INDIA"<br />
I - Indian<br />
N - National<br />
D - Developmental<br />
I - Inclusive<br />
A - Alliance<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JDU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JDU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NitishKumar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NitishKumar</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahaGathbandhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahaGathbandhan</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedWeStand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedWeStand</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oppositionmeeting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oppositionmeeting</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bengaluru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bengaluru</a> <a href="https://t.co/ttsk7g0aVN">pic.twitter.com/ttsk7g0aVN</a></p>
— Janata Dal (United) (@Jduonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jduonline/status/1681254523028004864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Who will head the alliance?</strong></h2>

<p>Quoting sources, NDTV reported that former UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is slated to be named the president of the alliance, while Bihar Chief Minister will be the convener.</p>

<p>It also reports that some left parties were not in favour of calling it an 'alliance' and wanted that to be changed to 'Front'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-issues-takedown-notices-to-15-websites-for-selling-e-cigarettes-617015">India issues takedown notices to 15 websites for selling e-cigarettes&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed the that their alliance will be called Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.</p>

<p>He added that the next opposition meeting will be held in Mumbai. The date of the meeting is yet to be announced. Kharge revealed that an 11-member coordination committee will be set up, the names of committee members will be announced during the Mumbai meeting.</p>

<h2><strong>Saving India</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at the sidelines of the multi-party meeting, many opposition leaders hit out at ruling BJP part and said that the alliance is aimed at saving the country, democracy and the Constitution. They alleged the country's democracy was being "played with" under the BJP government and there was a need to protect the "idea of India".</p>

<p>AAP leader Kejriwal stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had his chance to rule India for 10 years and has made a complete mess of almost every sector.</p>

<p>"He has fuelled hatred amongst the people, the economy is in shambles, inflation is at its peak, and there is unemployment in all sectors. It is time for the people of India to get rid of him, so all the like-minded parties are coming together," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Meme fest</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement has led to a flurry of memes on Twitter and other social media websites. Many are comparing the new&nbsp;alliance name to the quintessential scene from Bollywood film <em>Chak De India</em>&nbsp;where actor Shahrukh Khan's character teaches his hockey players an important lesson on nationalism and&nbsp;pushes them to victory.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">INDIA ♥️<br />
In 2024<br />
BJP vs INDIA <a href="https://t.co/3DhgMt3NFg">pic.twitter.com/3DhgMt3NFg</a></p>
— काव्या INDIA (@bindass_ladki) <a href="https://twitter.com/bindass_ladki/status/1681239157392412672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The man who coined this I N D I A, name for opposition alliance deserves a medal.<br />
<br />
Sounds good, fits good &amp; will work good.<br />
<br />
You will not hear TV media saying, ' INDIA ke khilaaf NDA ki zabardast ghera bandi'.🔥🔥</p>
— Amock (@Politics_2022_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Politics_2022_/status/1681231151413997574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
In his address on Tuesday, Congress president Kharge said his party is not interested in the Prime Minister’s post but in protecting the idea of India, the Constitution, secularism, and democracy. Kharge said there are differences among them at the state level&nbsp;but they can be put aside for the sake of protecting the people.<br />
<br />
“...differences are not so big that we can’t overcome them for the benefit of common people who are suffering inflation. We can set aside our differences for the youth who are suffering from unemployment and for the poor, the Dalit, tribals, and the minorities whose rights are being crushed.”<br />
<br />
The previous opposition alliance, the UPA had around 20 parties.<br />
<br />
Kharge said the 26 parties attending the meeting have substantial political strength as they govern 11 states.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The ruling National Democratic Alliance also held a meeting on Tuesday. The parallel meetings mark the return of coalition politics to the centre stage once again before the general elections due next year.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Leaders of the opposition parties have decided to name their alliance INDIA which stands for ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’ on Tuesday, July 18, at the ongoing meeting in Bengaluru city of India's southern Karnataka state, announced Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge at a press conference.

Leaders of the opposition parties have decided to name their alliance INDIA which stands for ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’ on Tuesday, July 18, at the ongoing meeting in Bengaluru city of India's southern Karnataka state, announced Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge at a press conference. Earlier, the new name of the opposition alliance had been revealed in tweets by leaders of opposition parties RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) and Shiv Sena (UBT). Leaders from 26 opposition parties that are in power in Delhi and 10 other states — individually or in alliance — gathered in Bengaluru for a two-day meeting starting Monday to discuss a strategy to take on the Narendra Modi-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Chak De, INDIA As news trickled about the name being under consideration, Congress Lok Sabha MP Manickam Tagore said on Twitter, "INDIA will win." "Chak De! INDIA," tweeted Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien even as the meeting was underway. Also read | BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh granted interim bail in sexual harassment case As per people aware of the matter, former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had mooted the name for the grouping at the meeting in Patna last month. However, certain reports said, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal suggested the name, while others suggested that former Lok Sabha member Rahul Gandhi is behind the catchy name. Wow, It is INDIA 🇮🇳 vs BJP 🚩 now. Every Indian are going to vote for INDIA in 2024 and must #SaveDemocracy ✊ I - Indian N - National D - Democratic I - Inclusive A - Alliance #INDIA 🇮🇳💥 pic.twitter.com/kAx6YCgvG7 — Congress For India (@INC4IN) July 18, 2023 × 𝐈 - 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐍 - 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃 - 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈 - 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀 - 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀 की जीत होगी 🇮🇳 — Congress (@INCIndia) July 18, 2023 × INDIA 🇮🇳 will win — Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳✋மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) July 18, 2023 × Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Rajya Sabha MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi too confirmed the alliance name on Twitter. In a tweet, she wrote "So 2023 will be Team INDIA Vs Team NDA". So 2024 will be Team INDIA Vs Team NDA Chak De, INDIA! — Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) July 18, 2023 × विपक्षी एकता का नया नाम "INDIA" I - Indian N - National D - Developmental I - Inclusive A - Alliance#JDU #NitishKumar#MahaGathbandhan#UnitedWeStand#oppositionmeeting #bengaluru pic.twitter.com/ttsk7g0aVN — Janata Dal (United) (@Jduonline) July 18, 2023 × Who will head the alliance? Quoting sources, NDTV reported that former UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is slated to be named the president of the alliance, while Bihar Chief Minister will be the convener. It also reports that some left parties were not in favour of calling it an 'alliance' and wanted that to be changed to 'Front'. Also read | India issues takedown notices to 15 websites for selling e-cigarettes Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed the that their alliance will be called Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. He added that the next opposition meeting will be held in Mumbai. The date of the meeting is yet to be announced. Kharge revealed that an 11-member coordination committee will be set up, the names of committee members will be announced during the Mumbai meeting. Saving India Speaking at the sidelines of the multi-party meeting, many opposition leaders hit out at ruling BJP part and said that the alliance is aimed at saving the country, democracy and the Constitution. They alleged the country's democracy was being "played with" under the BJP government and there was a need to protect the "idea of India". AAP leader Kejriwal stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had his chance to rule India for 10 years and has made a complete mess of almost every sector. "He has fuelled hatred amongst the people, the economy is in shambles, inflation is at its peak, and there is unemployment in all sectors. It is time for the people of India to get rid of him, so all the like-minded parties are coming together," he said. Meme fest The announcement has led to a flurry of memes on Twitter and other social media websites. Many are comparing the new alliance name to the quintessential scene from Bollywood film Chak De India where actor Shahrukh Khan's character teaches his hockey players an important lesson on nationalism and pushes them to victory. INDIA ♥️ In 2024 BJP vs INDIA pic.twitter.com/3DhgMt3NFg — काव्या INDIA (@bindass_ladki) July 18, 2023 × The man who coined this I N D I A, name for opposition alliance deserves a medal. Sounds good, fits good & will work good. You will not hear TV media saying, ' INDIA ke khilaaf NDA ki zabardast ghera bandi'.🔥🔥 — Amock (@Politics_2022_) July 18, 2023 × In his address on Tuesday, Congress president Kharge said his party is not interested in the Prime Minister’s post but in protecting the idea of India, the Constitution, secularism, and democracy. Kharge said there are differences among them at the state level but they can be put aside for the sake of protecting the people. “...differences are not so big that we can’t overcome them for the benefit of common people who are suffering inflation. We can set aside our differences for the youth who are suffering from unemployment and for the poor, the Dalit, tribals, and the minorities whose rights are being crushed.” The previous opposition alliance, the UPA had around 20 parties. Kharge said the 26 parties attending the meeting have substantial political strength as they govern 11 states. The ruling National Democratic Alliance also held a meeting on Tuesday. The parallel meetings mark the return of coalition politics to the centre stage once again before the general elections due next year. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

NDA vs INDIA: Opposition renames alliance from UPA to INDIA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls

<p>The opposition Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have decided to meet on June 22 to discuss the Centre&#39;s decision on presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.</p>

<p>&quot;We don&#39;t want to talk about his (Kovind&#39;s) personality but will talk on merit. This is true that he is a hardcore BJP and we were expecting someone neutral. On June 22, we are having a meeting under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and then we will discuss whether to support or oppose this,&quot; Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, CPI leader D. Raja said they will decide collectively about their future course of discussion.</p>

<p>&quot;We are discussing within our party and with other parties informally. All the parties in the opposition are likely to meet on June 22. We will decide collectively about what should be our future course of discussion,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah had announced the name of Kovind as NDA&#39;s consensus candidate for the post of Indian President.</p>

<p>Kovind before leaving for New Delhi yesterday met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked the people of Bihar for their support.</p>

<p>Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi reached out to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh to seek the grand old party&#39;s support for Kovind.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi also spoke to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu chief minister E. Palaniswamy over NDA&#39;s presidential candidate pick.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister said that Kovind will make an exceptional President and continue to be a strong voice for the poor, downtrodden and marginalised.</p>

<p>However, the decision did not go down well with some of the political parties with Congress alleging that the announcement was made without taking the grand old party into confidence while BJP&#39;s ally Shev Sena termed it a political move to lure vote bank.</p>

<p>Joining the critics of NDA&#39;s Presidential nominee, Shiv Sena said it would not extend its support if the Centre is eyeing a vote bank by nominating a Dalit face for the upcoming President polls.</p>

<p>&quot;If someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then we are not with them, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee didn&#39;t seem happy with the Kovind&#39;s candidature. She said that someone of the stature of President Pranab Mukherjee or even External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj or BJP veteran LK Advani may have been made the candidate.</p>

<p>The decision, however, was welcomed by some of the political leaders including Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Telangana chief minister K&nbsp;Chandrasekhar Rao.</p>

<p>Nitish Kumar expressed his happiness that the Bihar Governor would be the NDA&#39;s candidate for the President elections. He, however, said a detailed discussion would be held on the matter within the JD (U).</p>

<p>Kovind belongs to the Dalit community Koli and had worked extensively in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and also has the backing of BJP&#39;s ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS).</p>

<p>A lawyer by profession, Kovind had also been BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha chief (1998-2002) and president of the All-India Koli Samaj.</p>

<p>The election for the next President of India is to be held on July 17 as President Pranab Mukherjee will demit the office on July 24.</p>

<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued the notification in this regard and the process of the nomination has started that will continue till June 28.</p>


The Congress and CPI will discuss whether to support or oppose the presidential nominee

The opposition Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have decided to meet on June 22 to discuss the Centre's decision on presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind. "We don't want to talk about his (Kovind's) personality but will talk on merit. This is true that he is a hardcore BJP and we were expecting someone neutral. On June 22, we are having a meeting under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and then we will discuss whether to support or oppose this," Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told ANI. Meanwhile, CPI leader D. Raja said they will decide collectively about their future course of discussion. "We are discussing within our party and with other parties informally. All the parties in the opposition are likely to meet on June 22. We will decide collectively about what should be our future course of discussion," he added. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah had announced the name of Kovind as NDA's consensus candidate for the post of Indian President. Kovind before leaving for New Delhi yesterday met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked the people of Bihar for their support. Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi reached out to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh to seek the grand old party's support for Kovind. Prime Minister Modi also spoke to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu chief minister E. Palaniswamy over NDA's presidential candidate pick. The Prime Minister said that Kovind will make an exceptional President and continue to be a strong voice for the poor, downtrodden and marginalised. However, the decision did not go down well with some of the political parties with Congress alleging that the announcement was made without taking the grand old party into confidence while BJP's ally Shev Sena termed it a political move to lure vote bank. Joining the critics of NDA's Presidential nominee, Shiv Sena said it would not extend its support if the Centre is eyeing a vote bank by nominating a Dalit face for the upcoming President polls. "If someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then we are not with them, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee didn't seem happy with the Kovind's candidature. She said that someone of the stature of President Pranab Mukherjee or even External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj or BJP veteran LK Advani may have been made the candidate. The decision, however, was welcomed by some of the political leaders including Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. Nitish Kumar expressed his happiness that the Bihar Governor would be the NDA's candidate for the President elections. He, however, said a detailed discussion would be held on the matter within the JD (U). Kovind belongs to the Dalit community Koli and had worked extensively in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and also has the backing of BJP's ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS). A lawyer by profession, Kovind had also been BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha chief (1998-2002) and president of the All-India Koli Samaj. The election for the next President of India is to be held on July 17 as President Pranab Mukherjee will demit the office on July 24. The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued the notification in this regard and the process of the nomination has started that will continue till June 28.

Opposition parties to meet on June 22 to discuss presidential nominee