Following a significant defeat in the most recent assembly elections in three states, the Congress party will get together with its coalition partners to decide on next steps while keeping the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in mind.

India Opposition 2023: Key meet in Delhi | "We, not me" unity theme

<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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<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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<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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<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>I wonder that how human psyche and desires across different time zones resonant with each other. These days, whenever I look at the political slugfest in India, an anecdote from Mahabharata looms in my mind. Before the famous war at Kurukshetra, Vidur told Dhritarashtra, "Lord, your desperate attempt to put your son at throne will not only eradicate you and family but the worst thing is that nation and people are paying and will pay a hefty price for unjustified and directionless ambition of yours."</p>

<p>This so very well outlines the current days Congress party/Gandhi scion in particular, and also the other opposition parties as well.</p>

<p>Two pieces of news over the past week defines the very mood of politics in the nation and demonstrate the issue mentioned above. First, budget session of Parliament was washed out because of the sheer skirmish between ruling party and opposition parties. Second, when so-called Dalit activists hit the road after a Supreme Court verdict on SC/ST Act, every political party came to fore and tried to extract some political gain.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi in the process hit an unprecedented low. He, in a tweet eventually ended up applauding crowd involved in acts of vandalism on the streets and encouraging them. He lied through his teeth as he linked the whole issue with Modi government whereas it was a verdict passed by the apex court. Reinforcing such divides in the society for political mileage would be no less than ominous for the country.</p>

<p>In Congress, the desperation for coming back to power and to establish Rahul politically is so strong that righteousness and virtuousness have no space now. No matter how sinister the narrative is if it gives some political gain it is on. The nation would pay the price.</p>

<p>This is the nadir of parliamentary democracy these days. In a democracy, opposition parties play a big role in this system as they play (supposedly) part of a conscience-keeper and keep the government in check. But this rule has completely vanished over the past few years. Bid to scuttle whatever government does is the current era's conscience-keeping.</p>

<p>It is sad, extremely sad for one of the largest democracies in the world. Our politician of this generation needs to look back and learn some lesson from our own past, from our earlier parliamentarian.</p>

<p>During the time of Nehru, C Rajgopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji) became a very strong critic of Nehru and his policies during later years. But Rajgopalachari always maintained that there were differences in the ideology only and Nehru was still the best man for the job. When Nehru died (Nehru was 11 years younger to Rajgopalachari), Rajaji broke down. He said that he opposed Nehru for the various national issues but it was Nehru only who was capable to solve them.</p>

<p>When India decimated Pakistan during 1971 war, the whole opposition was queued up behind Indira Gandhi and applauded her unequivocally.</p>

<p>I remember that during Indira's last stint as the Prime Minister in 1980-84, despite a very bitter past between them during 1975-80, the relationship between Indira and opposition leaders were reasonably amicable.</p>

<p>However, it was during the reign of PV Narasimha Rao, the bipartisan in Indian politics was at its zenith. In 1994, Narasimha Rao sent Salman Khurshid and opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee to argue India's case at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) in Geneva. Vajpayee's articulateness proved to be astonishingly effective and resulted in the withdrawal of the Pakistan-backed resolution against India. Narasimha Rao minced no words in praising Vajpayee’s efforts.</p>

<p>The deterioration started primarily in 1999 when Vajpayee assumed power. During the UPA's reign in 2004-2014, the situation was no better either but it has literally plummeted vertically ever since Modi has come to power in 2104.</p>

<p>In its bid to revive itself in Gujarat, Congress played an ominous Patel, Dalit, OBC card in Gujarat election. Society would pay a heavy price for such divides nurtured by Congress and other opposition parties for the years to come. Parliament is not being allowed to function session after session on frivolous reasons, on the issues which are state's matter most of the times. There is hardly any great parliamentarian or statesman among current day’s opposition parties, as we had in the past.</p>

<p>The nation is suffering because of political ambition of the politicians. As famously said that, at times good thing comes with few negative riders. So democracy is good but these are the perils associated with it.</p>

<p>The onus is on us the voters to understand this game and don't let politicians take us for a ride.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


In Congress, the desperation for coming back to power and to establish Rahul politically is so strong that righteousness and virtuousness have no space now.

I wonder that how human psyche and desires across different time zones resonant with each other. These days, whenever I look at the political slugfest in India, an anecdote from Mahabharata looms in my mind. Before the famous war at Kurukshetra, Vidur told Dhritarashtra, "Lord, your desperate attempt to put your son at throne will not only eradicate you and family but the worst thing is that nation and people are paying and will pay a hefty price for unjustified and directionless ambition of yours." This so very well outlines the current days Congress party/Gandhi scion in particular, and also the other opposition parties as well. Two pieces of news over the past week defines the very mood of politics in the nation and demonstrate the issue mentioned above. First, budget session of Parliament was washed out because of the sheer skirmish between ruling party and opposition parties. Second, when so-called Dalit activists hit the road after a Supreme Court verdict on SC/ST Act, every political party came to fore and tried to extract some political gain. Rahul Gandhi in the process hit an unprecedented low. He, in a tweet eventually ended up applauding crowd involved in acts of vandalism on the streets and encouraging them. He lied through his teeth as he linked the whole issue with Modi government whereas it was a verdict passed by the apex court. Reinforcing such divides in the society for political mileage would be no less than ominous for the country. In Congress, the desperation for coming back to power and to establish Rahul politically is so strong that righteousness and virtuousness have no space now. No matter how sinister the narrative is if it gives some political gain it is on. The nation would pay the price. This is the nadir of parliamentary democracy these days. In a democracy, opposition parties play a big role in this system as they play (supposedly) part of a conscience-keeper and keep the government in check. But this rule has completely vanished over the past few years. Bid to scuttle whatever government does is the current era's conscience-keeping. It is sad, extremely sad for one of the largest democracies in the world. Our politician of this generation needs to look back and learn some lesson from our own past, from our earlier parliamentarian. During the time of Nehru, C Rajgopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji) became a very strong critic of Nehru and his policies during later years. But Rajgopalachari always maintained that there were differences in the ideology only and Nehru was still the best man for the job. When Nehru died (Nehru was 11 years younger to Rajgopalachari), Rajaji broke down. He said that he opposed Nehru for the various national issues but it was Nehru only who was capable to solve them. When India decimated Pakistan during 1971 war, the whole opposition was queued up behind Indira Gandhi and applauded her unequivocally. I remember that during Indira's last stint as the Prime Minister in 1980-84, despite a very bitter past between them during 1975-80, the relationship between Indira and opposition leaders were reasonably amicable. However, it was during the reign of PV Narasimha Rao, the bipartisan in Indian politics was at its zenith. In 1994, Narasimha Rao sent Salman Khurshid and opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee to argue India's case at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) in Geneva. Vajpayee's articulateness proved to be astonishingly effective and resulted in the withdrawal of the Pakistan-backed resolution against India. Narasimha Rao minced no words in praising Vajpayee’s efforts. The deterioration started primarily in 1999 when Vajpayee assumed power. During the UPA's reign in 2004-2014, the situation was no better either but it has literally plummeted vertically ever since Modi has come to power in 2104. In its bid to revive itself in Gujarat, Congress played an ominous Patel, Dalit, OBC card in Gujarat election. Society would pay a heavy price for such divides nurtured by Congress and other opposition parties for the years to come. Parliament is not being allowed to function session after session on frivolous reasons, on the issues which are state's matter most of the times. There is hardly any great parliamentarian or statesman among current day’s opposition parties, as we had in the past. The nation is suffering because of political ambition of the politicians. As famously said that, at times good thing comes with few negative riders. So democracy is good but these are the perils associated with it. The onus is on us the voters to understand this game and don't let politicians take us for a ride. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Nation pays the price for diminishing conduct of opposition parties

<p>The meeting of various opposition parties on the Parliament premises on Friday concluded, with opposition leaders demanding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s apology in the Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>The opposition leaders, however, said they were ready for a discussion on the demonetisation issue in the Lok Sabha, but that must be&nbsp;followed by a vote. Bedlam in both Houses of Parliament continued even on Thursday with the Opposition demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s presence in the Rajya Sabha;&nbsp;a pre-condition to hold debate on the demonetisation issue.</p>

<p>Opposition MPs, especially the Congress, sought an apology referring to the Prime Minister&#39;s recent remarks defending the demonetisation. They alleged that Prime Minister has remarked that the opposition parties support black money hoarders, which was protested by BJP members, who stood up and protested against the opposition&#39;s contention of apology.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, accusing the Congress Party of stalling the proceedings in parliament for 16 days, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar on Friday appealed to the Congress and other opposition parties to rise above politics and get ready for a discussion in the House as the government is ready to answer their question.</p>

<p>&quot;I, once again, appeal to the Congress and other opposition parties to rise above politics and get ready for a discussion in the House as we are ready to answer. The Prime Minister will also intervene and answer. And, at the end, the finance minister will also give reply in both Houses,&quot; Ananth Kumar told ANI.</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;</p>


Bedlam in both Houses of Parliament continued even on Thursday with the Opposition demanding Modi's presence in the Rajya Sabha

The meeting of various opposition parties on the Parliament premises on Friday concluded, with opposition leaders demanding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology in the Rajya Sabha. The opposition leaders, however, said they were ready for a discussion on the demonetisation issue in the Lok Sabha, but that must be followed by a vote. Bedlam in both Houses of Parliament continued even on Thursday with the Opposition demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in the Rajya Sabha; a pre-condition to hold debate on the demonetisation issue. Opposition MPs, especially the Congress, sought an apology referring to the Prime Minister's recent remarks defending the demonetisation. They alleged that Prime Minister has remarked that the opposition parties support black money hoarders, which was protested by BJP members, who stood up and protested against the opposition's contention of apology. Meanwhile, accusing the Congress Party of stalling the proceedings in parliament for 16 days, parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar on Friday appealed to the Congress and other opposition parties to rise above politics and get ready for a discussion in the House as the government is ready to answer their question. "I, once again, appeal to the Congress and other opposition parties to rise above politics and get ready for a discussion in the House as we are ready to answer. The Prime Minister will also intervene and answer. And, at the end, the finance minister will also give reply in both Houses," Ananth Kumar told ANI. (ANI)

Demonetisation: Opposition demands Prime Minister's apology, ready for debate in lower house if it comes with voting