Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance
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The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A; IAST: Bhāratīya Rāṣhṭrīya Vikāsātmaka Samāveśhī Gaṭhabandhan) is a big tent political alliance of 27 political parties in India led by the Indian National Congress.[2] The alliance is in opposition to the ruling National Democratic Alliance government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Indian general elections.[3]
Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | I.N.D.I.A. |
| Chairperson | Mallikarjun Kharge[1] |
| Founded | 18 July 2023 |
| Preceded by | United Progressive Alliance |
| Political position | Big tent[a] |
| Colours | (Official) (Alternative) |
| Alliance | 27 Parties |
| Seats in Lok Sabha | 122 / 543 |
| Seats in Rajya Sabha | 93 / 245 |
| Seats in State Legislative Assemblies | 1,612 / 4,036 |
| Seats in State Legislative Councils | 96 / 423 |
| Number of states and union territories in government | 9 / 31 |
Etymology
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, commonly known by its backronym I.N.D.I.A.,[7] is an opposition front announced by the leaders of 28 parties to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The name was proposed during a meeting in Bengaluru and was unanimously adopted by the 28 participating parties. While some sources attribute the suggestion of the name to Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC),[8] others mention that it was suggested by Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and chief minister of West Bengal.[9]
History
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The first Opposition parties' meeting, held in Patna, Bihar, was chaired by Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar on 23 June 2023, when the proposal for a new alliance was put on the table. The meet was attended by 16 Opposition parties.[10]
The second Opposition parties' meeting, was held in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 17 & 18 July 2023. It was chaired by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi when the proposal for an alliance was accepted and ten more parties were added to the list. The alliance's name was finalized and given the name Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. At this meeting, it was announced that the third meeting will be held in the city of Mumbai.[11] The third Opposition parties' meeting was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra from 31 August to 1 September 2023. The meeting was hosted by Shiv Sena (UBT) president, Uddhav Thackeray and saw Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and chief ministers of 5 states in attendance. Over the two-day deliberations, the alliance discussed major electoral issues for the upcoming general elections, carved out the coordination committee, and passed a three point resolution to fight 2024 Indian general elections together 'as far as possible'.[12][13]
The fourth Opposition parties' meeting was held in New Delhi, Delhi on 19 December 2023. The meeting was primarily held to discuss seat-sharing, joint rallies, and the prime ministerial face and/or convenor of the alliance. The alliance adopted a resolution to ensure maximum use of VVPATs in upcoming elections. “To enhance confidence in elections, VVPAT slips should be directly given to voters to self-verify and place in a separate box, instead of them falling into the main box. Eventually, all VVPAT slips must be 100% counted, ensuring truly free and fair elections,” read the resolution passed by the alliance at the meeting. Seat sharing was also to be done by either December 31 or mid-January. It was also decided that protests will be held across the country on December 22 against the suspensions of opposition MPs in the Indian Parliament. Some leaders said that the alliance would hold a grand joint rally at Patna on January 30, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, although this was not officially announced.[14]
The alliance held its 5th meeting virtually with some leaders not attending.[15] Following the meeting, the Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was declared the alliance chairperson.[1] Members also had discussions about seat sharing.[16] The chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar was offered the post of national convenor of the alliance which he declined.[17]He later Joined the Opposite Coalition in the 2024 Bihar political crisis.
Campaign
The bloc held its first event together on 22 December 2023, when nationwide protests were launched against the suspensions of opposition MPs in the Indian Parliament. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP president Sharad Pawar, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury and other leaders held protests against the suspensions of MPs under the banner "Save Democracy" at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.[18][19]
Organisational structure
List of current chief ministers
| State | Portrait | Chief Minister | Ministry | Deputy Chief Minister | Governing parties | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) | Kejriwal III | Vacant | AAP | ||||
| Himachal Pradesh | Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (INC) | Sukhu I | Mukesh Agnihotri (INC) | INC | ||||
| IND | ||||||||
| Jharkhand | Champai Soren (JMM) | Soren | Vacant | JMM | ||||
| INC | ||||||||
| RJD | ||||||||
| NCP | ||||||||
| CPI(M-L)L | ||||||||
| Karnataka | Siddaramaiah (INC) | Siddaramaiah II | D. K. Shivakumar (INC) | INC | ||||
| IND | ||||||||
| Kerala | Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI(M)) | Vijayan II | Vacant | CPI(M) | ||||
| CPI | ||||||||
| KC(M) | ||||||||
| JD(S) | ||||||||
| NCP | ||||||||
| LJD | ||||||||
| KC(B) | ||||||||
| C(S) | ||||||||
| INL | ||||||||
| NSC | ||||||||
| JKC | ||||||||
| IND | ||||||||
| Punjab | Bhagwant Mann (AAP) | Mann I | Vacant | AAP | ||||
| Tamil Nadu | M. K. Stalin (DMK) | Stalin I | Vacant | DMK | ||||
| INC | ||||||||
| VCK | ||||||||
| CPI | ||||||||
| CPI(M) | ||||||||
| Telangana | Revanth Reddy (INC) | Revanth Reddy I | Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka | INC | ||||
| CPI | ||||||||
| West Bengal | Mamata Banerjee (TMC) | Banerjee III | Vacant | TMC | ||||
Member parties
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance comprises a diverse range of political parties from across India. The 27 member parties of the alliance are:[20]
Past members
| Party | Base State | Year of withdrawal | Reference(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) now NCP | Maharashtra | 2023 | [21][22] | |
| Janata Dal (United) | Bihar | 2024 | [23][24] | |
| Rashtriya Lok Dal | Uttar Pradesh | 2024 | [25] | |
Strength in Parliament
| Party | Leader | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha | Presence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INC | 47 / 543 | 30 / 245 | National Party | ||
| DMK | 24 / 543 | 10 / 245 | Tamil Nadu, Puduchery | ||
| AITC | Mamata Banerjee | 23 / 543 | 13 / 245 | West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura | |
| SS(UBT) | Uddhav Thackeray | 6 / 543 | 3 / 245 | Maharashtra | |
| NCP-SP | Sharad Pawar | 4 / 543 | 3 / 245 | Maharashtra, Kerala | |
| CPI(M) | Sitaram Yechury | 3 / 543 | 5 / 245 | National Party | |
| SP | Akhilesh Yadav | 3 / 543 | 3 / 245 | Uttar Pradesh | |
| IUML | 3 / 543 | 1 / 245 | Kerala, Tamil Nadu | ||
| JKNC | Farooq Abdullah | 3 / 543 | – | Jammu and Kashmir | |
| CPI | Doraisamy Raja | 2 / 543 | 2 / 245 | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Manipur | |
| AAP | 1 / 543 | 10 / 245 | National Party | ||
| JMM | 1 / 543 | 2 / 245 | Jharkhand | ||
| KC(M) | 1 / 543 | 1 / 245 | Kerala | ||
| RSP | Manoj Bhattacharya | 1 / 543 | – | Kerala | |
| VCK | 1 / 543 | – | Tamil Nadu | ||
| RJD | – | 6 / 245 | Bihar, Jharkhand | ||
| MDMK | 1 / 245 | Tamil Nadu | |||
Strength in State Legislative Assemblies
| State/UT | Seats | I.N.D.I.A. | Party breakdown | Overall Tally | Last Election | CM From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 175 | 0 | None | 0 / 175 | 2019 | YSRCP | |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 60 | 5 | INC (4) | 5 / 60 | 2019 | BJP | |
| AITC (1) | |||||||
| Assam | 126 | 29 | INC (27) | 28 / 126 | 2021 | BJP | |
| CPI(M) (1) | |||||||
| Bihar | 243 | 114 | RJD (79) | 114 / 243 | 2020 | JD(U) | |
| INC (19) | |||||||
| CPI(ML)L (12) | |||||||
| CPI (2) | |||||||
| CPI(M) (2) | |||||||
| Chhattisgarh | 90 | 35 | INC (35) | 35 / 90 | 2023 | BJP | |
| Delhi | 70 | 62 | AAP (62) | 62 / 70 | 2020 | AAP | |
| Goa | 40 | 5 | INC (3) | 5 / 40 | 2022 | BJP | |
| AAP (2) | |||||||
| Gujarat | 182 | 23 | INC (17) | 23 / 182 | 2022 | BJP | |
| AAP (5) | |||||||
| SP (1) | |||||||
| Haryana | 90 | 30 | INC (30) | 30 / 90 | 2019 | BJP | |
| Himachal Pradesh | 68 | 40 | INC (40) | 40 / 68 | 2022 | INC | |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 90 | NA | |||||
| Jharkhand | 81 | 49 | JMM (29) | 48 / 81 | 2019 | JMM | |
| INC (17) | |||||||
| RJD (1) | |||||||
| CPI(ML)L (1) | |||||||
| Karnataka | 224 | 135 | INC (135) | 136 / 224 | 2023 | INC | |
| Kerala | 140 | 123 | CPI(M) (61) | 123 / 140 | 2021 | CPI(M) | |
| INC (21) | |||||||
| CPI (17) | |||||||
| IUML (15) | |||||||
| KC(M) (5) | |||||||
| KEC (2) | |||||||
| NCP (2) | |||||||
| Madhya Pradesh | 230 | 66 | INC (66) | 66 / 230 | 2023 | BJP | |
| Maharashtra | 288 | 85 | INC (45) | 85 / 288 | 2019 | SHS | |
| NCP (19) | |||||||
| SS(UBT) (17) | |||||||
| SP (2) | |||||||
| CPI(M) (1) | |||||||
| PWPI (1) | |||||||
| Manipur | 60 | 6 | INC (5) | 5 / 60 | 2022 | BJP | |
| Meghalaya | 60 | 10 | INC (5) | 10 / 60 | 2023 | NPP | |
| AITC (5) | |||||||
| Mizoram | 40 | 1 | INC (1) | 1 / 40 | 2023 | ZPM | |
| Nagaland | 60 | 0 | None | 0 / 60 | 2023 | NDPP | |
| Odisha | 147 | 10 | INC (9) | 10 / 147 | 2019 | BJD | |
| CPI(M) (1) | |||||||
| Puducherry | 33 | 8 | DMK (6) | 8 / 33 | 2021 | AINRC | |
| INC (2) | |||||||
| Punjab | 117 | 110 | AAP (92) | 110 / 117 | 2022 | AAP | |
| INC (18) | |||||||
| Rajasthan | 200 | 70 | INC (70) | 70 / 200 | 2023 | BJP | |
| Sikkim | 32 | 0 | None | 0 / 32 | 2019 | SKM | |
| Tamil Nadu | 234 | 159 | DMK (133) | 159 / 234 | 2021 | DMK | |
| INC (18) | |||||||
| VCK (4) | |||||||
| CPI (2) | |||||||
| CPI(M) (2) | |||||||
| Telangana | 119 | 65 | INC (64) | 65 / 119 | 2023 | INC | |
| CPI (1) | |||||||
| Tripura | 60 | 13 | CPI(M) (10) | 13 / 60 | 2022 | BJP | |
| INC (3) | |||||||
| Uttarakhand | 70 | 19 | INC (19) | 19 / 70 | 2022 | BJP | |
| Uttar Pradesh | 403 | 110 | SP (108) | 110 / 403 | 2022 | BJP | |
| INC (2) | |||||||
| West Bengal | 294 | 221 | AITC (221) | 221 / 294 | 2021 | AITC | |
Candidates in election
2024 General Elections
Ideology and objectives
According to the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, the alliance's ideology revolves around the principles of developmentalism, inclusivity, and social justice. By combining their efforts, the member parties aim to protect democratic values, promote welfare and progress, and counter what they perceive as an ideology that threatens the idea of India.[26] It was formed with the objective of defeating the incumbent BJP led NDA in the 2024 Indian general election.
Resolution
The alliance passed a three point resolution in its Mumbai meeting on 1 September 2023 to collectively contest 2024 Indian General elections.[27]
- 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.
- We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to organize public rallies at the earliest in different parts of the country on issues of public concern and importance.
- We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to coordinate our respective communications and media strategies and campaigns with the theme Judega BHARAT, Jeetega INDIA in different languages.
Timeline
Seat sharing disputes
TMC
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on 24 January 2024 that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party would run alone in the state's forthcoming general elections, dealing a serious blow to the INDIA alliance before the Lok Sabha polls.[28][29]
AAP
Also, despite past fluctuations in their relationship, the Congress and AAP have officially split in Punjab, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserting that AAP has no connection with the Congress in the state, while negotiations for seat sharing in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are ongoing.[30] AAP also declared candidates for three Lok Sabha seats in Assam after claiming they are tired of negotiations with Congress for seat sharing.[31]
Janta Dal (United) split
In Bihar, Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar and decide to leave the Mahagathbandhan alliance, a part of INDIA Alliance in Bihar, by expressing dissatisfaction with the functioning of the government. He rejoined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).[32]
Formation of NCP(SP)
A new political party called Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), which is led by Sharad Pawar is formed after Election Commission of India recognises Ajit Pawar led party faction as legitimate party after 2023 split.[33]
RLD split
On 9th February, RLD split with INDIA alliance and tie up with BJP.[34]
Member parties
Candidates in elections
See also
Note
- ^ Members consist of far-left to centre-right
References
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- ^ Hrishikesh, Cherylann Mollan & Sharanya (18 July 2023). "Opposition meeting: 26 Indian parties form alliance to take on PM Modi". BBC News. from the original on 20 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
- ^ Nair, Sobhana K. (18 July 2023). "Picking the name INDIA for alliance, Opposition parties frame 2024 battle as BJP vs the country". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ "PM Modi News Quit INDIA: PM Modi Slams Opposition's INDIA Alliance BJP vs INDIA". News18. 6 August 2023. from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ Menon, Aditya (18 July 2023). "'INDIA' vs BJP: 5 Big Takeaways From the Opposition and NDA Meetings". TheQuint. from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ [4][5][6]
- ^ Nair, Sobhana K. (18 July 2023). "Picking the name INDIA for alliance, Opposition parties frame 2024 battle as BJP vs the country". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
- ^ Ghosh, Poulomi (19 July 2023). "'Who gave INDIA name? Who can't arrive at consensus…': BJP's dig 10 points". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
- ^ "Tenets of unity: On the Opposition meet in Patna". The Hindu. 25 June 2023. from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
- ^ "Opposition alliance named 'INDIA', 11-member coordination committee to decide on all important issues". The Times of India. 19 July 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "Live Updates: INDIA bloc forms 14-member coordination panel, says seat-sharing formula for 2024 Lok Sabha polls soon". The Indian Express. 1 September 2023. from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ "I.N.D.I.A Opposition bloc 2-day meet ends, resolution adopted, coordination committee formed". IndiaTV. 1 September 2023. from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ "Decode Politics: 5 takeaways from INDIA meet, from seat sharing pitfalls to PM face row". The Indian Express. 20 December 2023. from the original on 20 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- ^ "After Mamata, Uddhav skips INDIA bloc's key meeting today; cites pre-scheduled events". The Indian Express. 13 January 2024. from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ "I.N.D.I.A bloc virtual meeting concludes, talks held on seat-sharing: Sources". India TV. 13 December 2023. from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
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- ^ "The 26 Opposition Parties That Have Formed Mega Alliance For 2024 Polls". NDTV. 22 February 2019. from the original on 20 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
- ^ Tirodkar, Amey (3 July 2023). "Ajit Pawar's breakaway from NCP set to transform Maharashtra's political landscape". Frontline. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ Bureau, The Hindu (24 November 2023). "NCP split | Ajit Pawar faction submits 40 responses to Speaker; senior Pawar group nine". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ Livemint (28 January 2024). "Why Nitish Kumar left INDIA bloc to rejoin BJP-led NDA". mint. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ "Bihar politics: Why did Nitish Kumar leave NDA and form government with RJD in 2022?". Hindustan Times. 28 January 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ "RLD confirms: Will join NDA, faced injustice in INDIA bloc, pride at stake". The Indian Express. 12 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
- ^ "Opposition Alliance Unveils Name "INDIA" – Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance". Akhil Bharat Times News. 18 July 2023. from the original on 18 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
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- ^ ""Left Trying To Control INDIA Bloc's Agenda, Won't Accept It": Mamata Banerjee". NDTV.com. from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
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- ^ "'INDIA bloc has two detractors…' TMC on why alliance is not working". Livemint. 25 January 2024. from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ Livemint (8 February 2024). "INDIA ally AAP declares candidates for 3 LS seats in Assam: 'We are tired'". mint. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
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- ^ https:www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/samajwadi-party-names-16-candidates-for-2024-lok-sabha-polls-dimple-yadav-to-contest-from-mainpuri-101706614697605-amp.html
- ^ https://amp/s/timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lok-sabha-polls-samajwadi-party-names-11-candidates-in-second-list-fields-afzal-ansari-from-ghazipur/amp_articleshow/107821782.cms
- ^ https://www.indiatvnews.com/amp/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-samajwadi-party-congress-seat-sharing-details-akhilesh-yadav-rahul-gandhi-india-bloc-lok-sabha-elections-2024-latest-news-2024-02-21-917945