Correspondent
On Tuesday, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is all set to convene a significant meeting in Delhi, with the participation of 38 parties. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to showcase its growing strength, particularly with the addition of new allies such as the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), O P Rajbhar-led SBSP, and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular).
The entry of the Lok Janshakti Party into the NDA was officially confirmed following a meeting between its leader, Chirag Paswan, and BJP President J P Nadda, along with Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday. Paswan's inclusion has further expanded the coalition's reach.
Among the participants, there will also be other parties like Shiv Sena, NCP, Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLJD), and Jana Sena, some of whom are new to the alliance while others have had previous partnerships with the BJP. The meeting will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders of the ruling party.
For the BJP, this NDA meeting holds immense significance as it presents an opportunity to showcase itself as a leading coalition partner, especially with an eye on the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. With the party having lost some traditional allies, it has been working to build alliances with regional parties to fortify its position.
On the other side, the Opposition is gearing up for crucial deliberations in Bengaluru, expressing unity and determination to challenge the ruling party's dominance. The Congress party has asserted that this unity among the Opposition will be a game-changer in the Indian political landscape. However, the BJP has been making efforts to weaken the opposition bloc, particularly in key states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
As the political landscape unfolds, both the ruling and opposition parties are strategizing to secure the crucial support of regional parties, as their endorsements could significantly impact the electoral outcome in certain states. The stage is set for a high-stakes battle, with each side vying for supremacy and trying to gain an edge in the race to power.