Shruti Suman
After choosing the name I.N.D.I.A for their coalition, comprising 26 opposition parties, the group has finalized the tagline “Jeetega Bharat” (India will win). The aim of this coalition is to challenge the BJP in the upcoming 2024 general election. The decision on the tagline was made after extensive discussions late last night. Uddhav Thackeray, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and current chief of Shiv Sena, suggested that the opposition alliance should have a Hindi tagline.
The name I.N.D.I.A, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, was agreed upon during the two-day conclave of the opposition in Bengaluru, which concluded yesterday. Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the Congress party, stated that the 2024 Lok Sabha election would be a battle between “Modi versus I.N.D.I.A.” He emphasized that the fight was between the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and I.N.D.I.A, Narendra Modi and I.N.D.I.A, and their respective ideologies, stating that India always emerges victorious in such battles.
While the opposition held discussions in Bengaluru, the BJP organized a parallel show of strength in Delhi, with representatives from 39 parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the opposition front, stating that alliances “built on negativity have never won.” He further criticized dynastic and corrupt alliances, claiming that they cause the country to suffer. In response to the name I.N.D.I.A, the Prime Minister spoke of “Bharat” (an alternate name for India) and highlighted that the NDA represents the poor and backward classes.
The opposition’s decision to create a tagline around “Bharat” seems to be an effort to counter the BJP’s “Bharat vs India” line of attack. Opposition leaders have stated that the name I.N.D.I.A was the outcome of extensive brainstorming.
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader, in announcing the name, challenged the BJP by asking, “Can you challenge INDIA, BJP?” She expressed love for the motherland and asserted that they were patriotic people who stood for the welfare of farmers, Dalits, the country, and the world. She concluded by declaring that INDIA would emerge victorious, the country would triumph, and the BJP would lose.
