I.N.D.I.A vs NDA
I.N.D.I.A meets in Mumbai
The opposition bloc known as I.N.D.I.A has passed a resolution during its Mumbai meeting, declaring their intention to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together whenever possible. They have also committed to promptly initiating seat-sharing arrangements in various states. This resolution follows the announcement of a special session of Parliament scheduled from September 18 to 22, sparking political discussions across the country in anticipation of significant decisions leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
We the I.N.D.I.A parties…..
The resolution, endorsed by the opposition bloc in INDIA’s Mumbai meeting, reads: “We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections together as far as possible. Seat-sharing arrangements in different states will be initiated immediately and concluded at the earliest in a collaborative spirit of give-and-take.”
Coordination committee set
In addition to this resolution, the opposition has established a 13-member coordination committee. Leaders representing 28 opposition parties met in Mumbai and criticized the government’s establishment of a committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, to explore the feasibility of implementing a “one-nation, one-election” system.
This development coincided with the Union Government’s announcement of the special Parliament session, which became a prominent topic of discussion during the INDIA bloc meeting in Mumbai. Notably, leaders like Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have previously discussed the possibility of the government calling for early Lok Sabha elections.
During the Mumbai meeting, the opposition bloc finalized the composition of its 13-member coordination committee.
One Nation but not one election for the opposition
Opposition leaders voiced their concerns about the “one nation, one election” proposal, viewing it as an attempt to divert attention away from their demand for fair elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut emphasized the need for fair elections, while CPI leader D Raja questioned the government’s unilateral decision-making process without consulting other political parties. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent references to India as the mother of democracy and questioned how such a decision could be made without broader consultation.
The increasing political activity has created a sense of urgency within the opposition bloc. Mamata Banerjee urged INDIA to release its manifesto by October 2, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal encouraged opposition parties to finalize their sharing agreements by the end of September.
