Did Nitish Kumar Resist The Name 'INDIA' For Opposition Alliance?

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday announced that the name of the alliance of opposition parties would be called 'INDIA' - an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 19 July 2023 6:32 am

Opposition parties meet in Bengaluru

The opposition parties in their second meeting in Bengaluru decided to call their alliance 'INDIA' to contest against the National Democratic Alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The name was chosen after all the leaders agreed upon it, reports said that Nitish Kumar need a little more convincing than the rest.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday announced that the name of the alliance of opposition parties would be called "INDIA" - an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.

During the discussion about the name, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reportedly resisted the acronym INDIA. He also reportedly has reservations about keeping the letters NDA in it with respect to the ruling alliance acronym.

Reports said that left leaders were also not on board initially and suggested alternatives.

Subsequently, after suggestions and consent from all the name INDIA was finalised. Nitish Kumar who was among the last to be convinced, reportedly said, "All right, if all of you are okay with it (the name INDIA), then it is fine."

According to the reports, the attribution for the naming is being given to Uddhav Thackeray, Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee. Some reports said that it was Rahul Gandhi's idea and Mamata Banerjee approved it.

Meanwhile, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol Thirumavalavan told the media, "The name of the opposition alliance- INDIA was proposed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. After a long discussion, it was decided to be called as 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance."

Nationalist Congress Party leader Jitendra Awhad reportedly said that it was Rahul Gandhi's idea. "In the ongoing meeting of opposition parties in Bangalore, Rahul Gandhi put forward a proposal to name this alliance as INDIA. His creativity was greatly appreciated. All the parties approved it and decided to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections under the name INDIA."

As per PTI reports the tagline for the opposition alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign would be 'Jeetega Bharat'.

The 26 opposition parties will be meeting next in Mumbai where they will be hosted by Uddhav Thackeray. The alliance has said that they will be setting up a secretariat in Delhi for the Lok Sabha campaigns.