Logo, action plan: Key agendas of INDIA alliance's Mumbai meeting
What's the story
A total of 63 representatives from 28 different political parties are reportedly set to attend the two-day meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai on Thursday and Friday.
Ahead of the bloc's third round of discussions, numerous opposition leaders voiced confidence that they would be a formidable opponent against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Context
Why does this story matter?
It's worth noting that INDIA is a coalition of 26 opposition parties that was formed in July with the goal of dethroning the saffron brigade-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
While the alliance's first meeting took place in June in Patna, the second one took place in July in Bengaluru, where the name INDIA was finalized.
Details
INDIA alliance to finalize joint action schedule for 2024 polls
According to the news outlet NDTV, during the meeting, the opposition alliance would finalize a logo for INDIA and formulate a committee to improve coordination between the members of all the parties.
It is also learned that the INDIA bloc is going to hold discussions on whether to have a convenor and a joint action schedule for next year's general elections.
More details
More parties to join INDIA: Report
Meanwhile, news agency PTI reported that there is a possibility that more regional outfits may join the opposition alliance during its Mumbai meeting.
While not revealing any names, Bihar Chief Minister and top Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar hinted on Sunday that "a few more" parties are likely to join the opposition alliance in the financial capital.
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Congress leader brags about INDIA alliance's growing influence
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam on ‘INDIA’ alliance meeting to be held in Mumbai.
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2023
"When our first meeting was held in Patna, we were not aware of the details and what will be the name of the alliance. There were 16 parties there (in Patna), in the Bengaluru… pic.twitter.com/GT13Cz8F37
Further information
Kejriwal isn't in race to become PM: Raghav Chadha
On Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar's statement that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should join the prime ministerial race, party leader Raghav Chadha said, "AAP hasn't joined the INDIA alliance for the prime minister's post."
"Kejriwal isn't in the race to become the PM."
He said that the party joined the alliance with the vision of building a "better India."
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Here's what Chadha said on AAP's goals
#WATCH | AAP MP Raghav Chadha says, "AAP has not joined the INDIA alliance for the PM post. Arvind Kejriwal is not in the race to become the PM. We have joined the INDIA alliance to prepare a blueprint for a better India...If any party is saying this (that AAP has joined the… pic.twitter.com/BXU53o9h47
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2023
Further details
BJP's reaction to INDIA's Mumbai meet
In response to the meeting, West Bengal BJP President Dr. Sukanta Majumdar bashed state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the INDIA alliance for their alleged biased approach to issues.
Speaking to the news agency ANI, Majumdar said, "Mamata Banerjee and all the opposition are following one formula that is 'kusti (wrestling) in Bengal, dosti (friendship) in Delhi and masti (celebration) in rest of India.'"
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Check out Majumdar's reaction here
#WATCH | "Mamata Banerjee and all the opposition are following one formula that is 'kusti in Bengal, dosti in Delhi and masti in rest of India" says West Bengal BJP President Dr Sukanta Majumdar on INDIA alliance pic.twitter.com/KslQ1nuqZm
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2023