Mega Opposition front against BJP-led NDA to be called 'I-N-D-I-A'
PTC News Desk: The acronym I-N-D-I-A is chosen to brand the 26 opposition parties meeting in Bengaluru on Tuesday to streamline a strategy and present a united front against the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, said media reports. 'I-N-D-I-A' stands for Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance.
The acronym I-N-D-I-A was proposed at the meeting to name the mega opposition front that intends to challenge the ruling party BJP. According to trusted sources, left parties wanted the word 'Alliance' to be changed to 'Front' while some parties were not too keen on 'NDA' in the name.
The first day of the meeting was informal, with discussions and dinner. Today's meeting will get more formal, with discussions about the name of the grand alliance. At yesterday's dinner meeting, all political parties were asked to offer names, which will be debated and a consensus created during the meeting.
According to sources, former UPA president Sonia Gandhi will be chosen Front President, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar acting as Convenor. From 2004 to 2014, Gandhi was the leader of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
There will also be two subcommittees formed: one to finalise the joint minimum program and communication points, and the other to prepare combined opposition events, rallies, and conventions.
The opposition meeting in Bengaluru is being attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Chief Ministers MK Stalin, Nitish Kumar, Arvind Kejriwal, Hemant Soren, Mamata Banerjee, and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, in addition to Gandhi.
The first day of the opposition meeting was skipped by NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader HD Kumaraswamy.
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- With inputs from agencies
