INDIA vs NDA meet: INDIA alliance and NDA plan parallel Mumbai meetings on September 1

Mumbai, August 29: As the upcoming Lok Sabha elections draw closer, a fierce showdown is on the horizon between the Opposition's INDIA alliance and the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). On September 1, both formidable alliances are set to hold simultaneous high-level gatherings in the bustling city of Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Scheduled for September 1, the INDIA alliance members are gearing up for a significant joint assembly in Mumbai. The focal points of this meeting will encompass comprehensive strategies for the impending Lok Sabha elections and a meticulous deliberation over the allocation of seats within various states. Furthermore, speculations suggest that a fresh emblem symbolising the unity of the INDIA alliance could be unveiled during this meeting, serving as a visual representation of their collective vision.

Coinciding with this pivotal event, the NDA alliance in Maharashtra, which has recently welcomed the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as a new partner, is also slated to convene on the same day in Mumbai. Sunil Tatkare, a prominent NCP Member of Parliament representing the Ajit Pawar faction, affirmed, "All our state government alliance partners—BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and NCP (under Ajit Pawar)—will actively participate in this meeting."

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Addressing concerns about the simultaneous scheduling of the INDIA alliance and NDA alliance meetings, Sunil Tatkare clarified, "Our meeting had been arranged well in advance, prior to the commencement of the last state assembly Monsoon session, by our coordination committee. Therefore, it's irrelevant to suggest that our actions are a response to the opposition parties' parallel meeting."

In the interim, senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan confirmed the participation of around 26 to 27 opposition alliance parties in the INDIA alliance gathering. He divulged, "A preliminary informal interaction is set for the evening of August 31 in Mumbai, followed by a formal meeting on September 1. Having already hosted two productive meetings, this third gathering will delve into the subsequent agenda. We are contemplating the introduction of a shared emblem, which could be unveiled on August 31."

In an unrelated statement made to journalists on Sunday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hinted at the potential expansion of the INDIA alliance by welcoming several regional parties into the fold. Nitish Kumar remarked, "Our deliberations in Mumbai will encompass the strategic blueprint of the INDIA alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Among the priorities for this meeting are the equitable distribution of seats and addressing other pertinent matters. We anticipate the inclusion of a few more political entities into our coalition. I am steadfastly working towards consolidating as many parties as possible before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections."

In the context of leadership, Congress Leader PL Punia affirmed that the decision regarding the Prime Ministerial candidate for the INDIA alliance will be deferred until after the alliance attains victory in the imminent Lok Sabha elections. He articulated, "The INDIA alliance is resolute in its stance that the designation of Prime Minister will be determined once we secure power. The elected Members of Parliament will collectively designate the Prime Minister," emphasised the Congress leader.

Termed as the 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance,' the INDIA alliance is a conglomerate of 26 opposition parties, with the Congress at its core. The alliance's overarching goal is to confront the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and thwart its ambitions of securing a consecutive third term in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Having previously convened in Patna on June 23 and later in Bengaluru on July 17-18, the joint opposition's third assembly is slated for Mumbai on August 31 and September 1. The strategic discussions and decisions that emanate from this gathering could profoundly influence the political landscape leading up to the highly anticipated 2024 elections.

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