Old NDA and new I.N.D.I.A. take resolute positions in the battle of alliances for the 2024 polls
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) recently held a crucial meeting in New Delhi on the completion of 25 years of NDA, which undoubtedly set the tone for the 2024 general elections. This gathering, attended by 39 alliance partners and chaired by PM Modi, witnessed a unanimous resolution to fight under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The NDA leaders also targeted the Opposition’s unity efforts, saying that it is “facing an identity crisis and is beset by confusion and disorientation". The resolution, referring to the achievements of Modi government in the last nine years, also applauded its “hard work and selfless dedication towards the service of the country”. The NDA meeting not only reiterated the commitment of the allies but also showcased the strength of the coalition. The presence of prominent leaders from regional parties underscored the broad-based support enjoyed by the alliance. This unity of purpose and convergence of ideologies among the NDA's diverse constituents augur well for its political strength. One cannot overlook the fact that under Modi's leadership, the BJP has managed to galvanise the cadres and formed a well-oiled election machine that has steamrolled the Opposition. By reaffirming their commitment to fighting under Modi's leadership, the allies have conveyed a message of policy continuity.
It would be pertinent to note a major difference between the NDA and the new INDIA alliance (forged by the Opposition): One is led by Modi's decisive leadership while INDIA is still a guess work though its number has swelled to 26. The BJP is also keen to keep its allies together though 37 NDA partners notched up just 29 Lok Sabha seats in 2019. Nine of them didn't contest the 2019 LS polls, while 16 failed to win any seat. Yet, facing a possible unified Opposition in 2024, BJP is looking at smaller parties to help net more seats. In the past, the BJP did lose a number of allies which weakened its grip on several states. Shiv Sena and Akali Dal parted ways. Though the NDA meet was a gala event, there was an undercurrent of nervousness about the Opposition's unity. The PM himself took a jibe at it saying it was an association of corrupt parties. Though the NDA would have infrastructure development, digital empowerment, foreign policy initiatives and of course Modi's face to flaunt, it will be dealing with anti-incumbency and a host of economic and social issues. The Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh wins have given a lot of confidence to the Congress and the Opposition and if this run continues in the upcoming state elections the NDA would have a serious problem to deal with. The NDA meeting provided an opportunity for allies to deliberate on their collective vision for India's future. The focus on welfare schemes, rural development, job creation, healthcare, education and national security formed the core of discussions. Though NDA is an old war horse while the Opposition is yet to get its alliance into election mode, one thing is sure: ‘INDIA’ is a fragile association, NDA is strong and confident. Who wins remains to be seen.
