Opposition Alliance INDIA Bloc Vows to Continue Battle Against BJP’s Authoritarian Governance
New Delhi, 6th June 2024: In a recent statement, Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed the resolve of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc to continue their efforts against what they perceive as authoritarian governance by the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Following a strategic meeting within the alliance to discuss government formation possibilities, future strategies, and potential outreach to former allies Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu, Kharge acknowledged the significant support garnered by the opposition alliance from the people of India, totalling 234 seats in the recent Lok Sabha election. Despite the BJP-led NDA securing 292 seats overall, the BJP fell short of its target with 240 seats, failing to achieve a third consecutive single-party majority.
Kharge credited this electoral outcome to what he termed as a decisive response from the electorate against the BJP’s alleged divisive politics, corruption, and disregard for democratic values. He emphasized the mandate as a defence of India’s constitutional principles and a rejection of issues such as inflation, unemployment, and crony capitalism. Asserting the opposition’s commitment to act according to the people’s wishes, Kharge assured that appropriate measures will be taken at the opportune moment to address the desire for an alternative to BJP rule.
Highlighting the unity and determination displayed by all members of the INDIA bloc during the election campaign, Kharge conveyed the consensus reached among alliance partners to uphold their electoral promises. The alliance convened at Kharge’s residence in New Delhi, with prominent leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Pawar, and MK Stalin in attendance.
Simultaneously, a key meeting within the NDA was held at Prime Minister Modi’s official residence, where the alliance reaffirmed its support for Modi’s leadership. Notable attendees included BJP president JP Nadda, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh, as well as leaders from allied parties like Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu. The participation of these leaders was seen as pivotal for the BJP’s prospects of forming a government at the centre.
As the 17th Lok Sabha was dissolved upon the Union Cabinet’s recommendation, President Droupadi Murmu is slated to host a dinner with NDA leaders on June 7, indicating the beginning of formal proceedings towards government formation.
