Shruti Suman
During a meeting with Bihar allies on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a fresh approach to handle the opposition alliance. He suggested referring to them as “Ghamandiya,” the Hindi term for arrogant, instead of using the label “INDIA.”
In recent weeks, PM Modi has consistently criticized the opposition coalition for adopting the name INDIA. He has accused these parties, particularly the Congress, of attempting to rebrand themselves in order to downplay their previous actions as part of the former UPA (United Progressive Alliance).
PM Modi stated at a recent event, “They changed their name from UPA to INDIA to conceal their plots against the disadvantaged… The use of the name INDIA is not a display of their patriotism but rather an attempt to exploit the nation.”
Last month in Bengaluru, 26 opposition parties gathered and decided to contest against PM Modi and the BJP in the upcoming national elections under the new banner INDIA, signifying Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. They argued that this name symbolized their fight for the fundamental “idea of India,” which they believe is under threat.
Rahul Gandhi explained during a press conference, “The battle is between NDA and INDIA, between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and INDIA, between the BJP’s ideology and INDIA. History shows what happens when someone stands against India, who emerges victorious.”
Having persistently criticized the name, even drawing comparisons to the East India Company and terrorist groups with “India” in their titles, the BJP ultimately reverted to using the coalition’s previous label, UPA.
In the recent meeting, PM Modi also advised the MPs of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to transcend caste-based politics and “emerge as leaders for the entire society.”
Referring to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who broke away from the BJP last year to align with the RJD and Congress, the Prime Minister highlighted him as an example of the BJP’s willingness to compromise for the sake of a stable government. He reportedly stated, “Nitish Kumar didn’t have the credentials to become Chief Minister based on seat count, but the BJP still supported his appointment. This is the spirit of sacrifice within the NDA.”
He also cited the example of the Akali Dal, an ally that departed due to self-interest.
The Prime Minister encouraged MPs to label government initiatives as “NDA government schemes” and underscore that only the NDA can provide stability in governance.
PM Modi assigned tasks to MPs, proposing that they utilize social media to disseminate videos that promote and emphasize the contributions of the NDA.
While offering his guidance, the PM invoked the names of two senior BJP leaders – former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj.
In advising MPs to avoid speaking out of turn, the PM drew upon the illustration of Sushma Swaraj, known for her eloquence, who spoke only when necessary.
