The second day of the opposition parties meeting in Bengaluru resulted in a significant decision concerning the renaming of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). According to reports, the UPA will now be known as ‘INDIA’ or ‘I.N.D.I.A,’ with the full form being ‘Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance.’
During the meeting, the suggested acronym I-N-D-I-A, representing the Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance, was proposed as the new name for the united opposition front aiming to challenge the ruling party, the BJP. Sources indicate that some parties expressed a preference for changing ‘Alliance’ to ‘Front,’ while others were not enthusiastic about including ‘NDA’ in the name.
The first day of the meeting was informal, with discussions followed by a dinner gathering. At the dinner meeting, all political parties were asked to propose names, which will be further deliberated upon and a consensus will be reached during the meeting.
According to sources, former UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is expected to be appointed as the President of the newly formed Front, with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar serving as the Convenor. It is worth noting that Sonia Gandhi previously served as the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) from 2004 to 2014.
Additionally, two subcommittees will be established: one to finalize the common minimum program and communication points, and the other to plan joint opposition events, rallies, and conventions.
The opposition gathering is 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.
Senior NCP leader Sharad Pawar and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader HD Kumaraswamy did not participate in the first day of the opposition meeting. While Sharad Pawar arrived in Bengaluru on the second day, it remains uncertain whether Kumaraswamy will attend the meeting or not.
Congress leader Pawan Khera stated, “All parties having the will and guts to fight the BJP are welcome.” Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the need for like-minded opposition parties to collaborate closely, fostering an agenda of social justice, inclusive development, and national welfare. He expressed a desire to liberate the people of India from the autocratic and divisive politics of the BJP, which perpetuates economic inequality and exploitation. He concluded by affirming, “United We Stand, for this India.”
During the meeting, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge acknowledged the existence of differences “between some of us” at the state level. However, he emphasized that these differences were not ideological and not significant enough to prevent unity for the sake of the people who are suffering due to the policies of the BJP-led government. Kharge highlighted the plight of the common man, the middle class, the unemployed youth, and the marginalized communities whose rights are being silently suppressed.
Kharge reported that 26 parties were attending the opposition meeting, and collectively, they held power in 11 states.
The opposition leaders will discuss strategies to counter the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections during their meeting in Bengaluru. The two-day meeting will conclude on July 18th.
