Key figures from 26 opposition parties congregated today in Bengaluru, agreeing upon a collaborative front named I-N-D-I-A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), designed to challenge the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming general elections.

Assembling leaders of these opposition parties defined the framework for the alliance during the meeting.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made it clear that their focus isn’t centered on power or the prime minister post but primarily to counter the ruling party, highlighting how BJP leaders were hurriedly attempting to reestablish ties with former allies. According to Mallikarjun Kharge, the 26-party I-N-D-I.A alliance currently holds the reins in 11 states.

The meeting concluded with a press conference, during which Mamata Banerjee questioned if the BJP and NDA could contend with the newly formed I.N.D.I.A alliance. The West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief emphasized their patriotism and commitment to the nation, its farmers, and the global community.

The coalition is set to hold its next meeting in Mumbai, where an 11-member coordination committee will be established. The leader of the alliance or Convenor will be selected during this meeting, as announced by Mallikarjun Kharge.

Several high-profile leaders, including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, also expressed their views during the press briefing.

The assembly concluded with a formal dinner meeting where the participants finalized the agenda for the forthcoming closed-door discussions. The key figures who attended the two-day meet included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, chief ministers MK Stalin, Nitish Kumar, Arvind Kejriwal, Hemant Soren, Mamata Banerjee, and RJD chief Lalu Prasad.

Congress, the hosts of the meet, utilized the momentum from their recent victory in the Karnataka assembly elections to position themselves as potential team players in the upcoming political scenario. The party’s endorsement of Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party stance against the Central Ordinance in parliament further solidified this.

  Arvind Kejriwal, Bengaluru, BJP, Congress, Hemant Soren, India, Karnataka, Lalu Prasad, Mallikarjun Kharge, MK Stalin, Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar, Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray