Dushyant Kumar Gautam, the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticized the opposition’s INDIA alliance. He believes that alliances formed by opposition parties are bound to fail, no matter where they are formed. Gautam mentioned that the initial meeting of the INDIA alliance in Patna did not include Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was absent from the second meeting. He expressed doubt about the future of their alliance and how many leaders will be missing from the upcoming third meeting.
The INDIA alliance, consisting of 26 opposition parties, has planned a meeting in Mumbai to strategize against the BJP-led Central government. This coalition aims to collectively challenge the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The meeting is scheduled to take place on August 31 and September 1.
Gautam criticized the opposition parties for their internal conflicts and rivalries during Assembly elections. He noted that in Punjab, AAP is not willing to give any seats to Congress. There is tension in Delhi, which is why Arvind Kejriwal is discussing seat-sharing. The Trinamool Congress is determined to keep Congress out of West Bengal. Maharashtra also poses a difficult situation for Congress.
Gautam further criticized the INDIA alliance, describing them as self-centered and prone to drama. He believes that this alliance is more focused on theatrics and serving their own interests rather than offering something substantial to the people. He mentioned that endeavors driven by self-interest rarely succeed and these individuals oppose Prime Minister Modi without a clear vision for the people.
Regarding the Mumbai meeting, Dipankar Bhattacharya, leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation, stated that discussions will be held on a proposal for an awareness campaign about INDIA’s commitment to defending the Constitution. This campaign aims to educate people about the importance of unity before the 2024 national polls.
Insiders revealed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had discussions with INDIA leaders in Delhi during his visit. They discussed the agenda for the upcoming Mumbai meeting. It is expected that discussions among INDIA members will take place about the formation of various panels, including a coordination panel, which will be announced at the Mumbai meeting according to senior opposition leaders.