Oppn Meet LIVE Updates: Alliance Named 'INDIA', 11-Member Committee to Be Formed
Opposition Meet in Bengaluru: Catch all LIVE updates here.
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Opposition Meeting in Bengaluru LIVE Updates:
The second day of talks of the Opposition concluded in Bengaluru on Tuesday, 18 July, with the new alliance being named 'INDIA' - Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance and the parties drafting a joint resolution to 'safeguard democracy.'
"It is a great achievement for us that all parties together will solve many problems of the country. An 11-member coordination committee will be set up," Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said.
The next meeting will be held in Mumbai where the 11 committee members will be elected, he said.
Video Producer/Editor: Shohini Bose
"One secretariat will be set up for campaign management and other committees for specific issues will be set up in Delhi since it is the capital and it is convenient for everybody," he said.
A joint resolution has also been drafted by the parties, he said.
Ahead of the NDA meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Opposition meeting to call the parties an alliance of "corruption and dynasty politics."
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrives for the opposition leaders meeting, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, 18 July, 2023.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Bihar Dy CM Tejashwi Yadav, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav at the opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders during opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during the opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha are also seen.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior party leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Delhi CM and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders during opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
RLD chief Jayant Choudhary, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders during opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader D Raja, JKNC leader Omar Abdullah and Congress leader KC Venugopal during opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar with CPI General Secretary D Raja, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, DK Shivakumar and others upon his arrival for the opposition leaders meeting, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, 18 July, 2023.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi during opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and NCP chief Sharad Pawar during opposition parties meet, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
(Photo: Twitter/NCP)
(Photo: Twitter/NCP)
(Photo: Twitter/NCP)
Attacking the BJP, Rahul Gandhi said that the party is destroying India and its democratic fabric. "The country's voice is being muffled. This is the fight for the country's voice and that is why this name was chosen."
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the press briefing said that the strength of the alliance is only rising in the country.
"Can NDA challenge INDIA? Can the BJP challenge INDIA?" TMC chief Mamata Banerjee asked.
The next meeting of the alliance will be held in Mumbai, the date for which is yet to be decided.
'Joint Resolution of INDIA Alliance'
Here's the full draft of the joint resolution by 26 parties of INDIA alliance:
"We, the undersigned leaders of India’s 26 progressive parties, express our steadfast resolve to safeguard the idea of India as enshrined in the Constitution. The character of our republic is being severely assaulted in a systematic manner by the BJP. We are at a most crucial juncture in our nation’s history. The foundational pillars of the Indian Constitution – secular democracy, economic sovereignty, social justice and federalism – are being methodically and menacingly undermined.
We express our grave concern over the humanitarian tragedy that has destroyed Manipur. The silence of the Prime Minister is shocking and unprecedented. There is an urgent need to bring Manipur back on the path of peace and reconciliation.
We are determined to combat and confront the continuing assault on the Constitution and on constitutional rights of democratically elected state governments. There is a deliberate attempt to weaken the federal structure of our polity. The role of Governors & LGs in non-BJP ruled states has exceeded all constitutional norms. The brazen misuse of agencies by the BJP government against political rivals is undermining our democracy. Legitimate needs, requirements and entitlements of non BJP ruled states are being actively denied by the Centre.
We reinforce our resolve to confront the grave economic crisis of ever-rising prices of essential commodities and record unemployment. Demonetisation brought with it untold misery to the MSME and unorganised sectors, resulting in large scale unemployment among our youth. We oppose the reckless sale of the nation’s wealth to favored friends. We must build a fair economy with a strong and strategic public sector as well as a competitive and flourishing private sector, in which the spirit of enterprise is fostered and given every opportunity to expand. The welfare of Kisan and Khet Mazdur should always get the highest priority.
We have come together to defeat the hatred and violence being manufactured against minorities; stop the rising crimes against women, Dalits, Adivasis and Kashmiri Pandits; demand a fair hearing for all socially, educationally and economically backward communities; and, as a first step, implement the Caste Census.
We resolve to fight the systemic conspiracy by BJP to target, persecute and suppress our fellow Indians. Their poisonous campaign of hate has led to vicious violence against all those opposed to the ruling party and its divisive ideology. These attacks are not only violating constitutional rights and freedoms but also eroding the basic values upon which the Republic of India is founded - Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and Justice – Political, Economic and Social. The repeated attempts by the BJP to vitiate public discourse by reinventing and rewriting Indian history are an affront to social harmony.
We pledge to present to the nation an alternative political, social and economic agenda. We promise to transform both the substance and style of governance that will be more consultative, democratic and participative.
Jai Hind!"
Who Will lead INDIA Alliance?: What Kharge Said
On being asked about who will lead the alliance, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that talks to form an 11-member committee will take place in Mumbai.
'Need to Destroy Politics of Hate': Rahul Gandhi
Attacking the BJP, Rahul Gandhi said that the party is destroying India and its democratic fabric.
"The country's voice is being muffled. This is the fight for the country's voice and that is why this name was chosen - Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance - INDIA. This is a fight between BJP and India, Narendra Modi and India, their ideology and India," he said.
"We will come up with an action plan to talk about the country's core ideology and our steps to safeguard it," he added..
'The Country is Our Family': Uddhav Thackeray
Taking a jibe at PM Modi's comments on dynasty politics, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said: "Kharge ji has announced the name - INDIA. But we hope to take India forward. They said that the ideologies don't match, but politics is supposed to have different ideologies. Some people are accusing us of fighting for our families but the country is our family," he said.
'The BJP Government Sold Everything': Arvind Kejriwal
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the press briefing said that the strength of the alliance is only rising in the country.
"The country elected Narendra Modi nine years ago. He could have done a lot for the country. But there is not one sector that has not been made a mess of. They have destroyed economy, railways; sold the airports, ships, the sky, and the earth. Every man is disappointed in this country," he said.
He also accused the BJP of spreading hate and communalism.
'Can the NDA Challenge INDIA?': Mamata Banerjee
Addressing the media in the joint press conference, Mamata Banerjee said that the BJP is here to destroy the democratic fabric of the country.
She tanked all Opposition leaders present at the meet.
"The real challenge has already started. The alliance of 26 parties decided a name. The government's only job is to buy and sell governments. That is why, we have unitedly decided on the name INDIA. NDA, can you challenge INDIA? Can the BJP challenge INDIA?" she asked.
Alliance Named 'INDIA', 11-Member Committee to Be Formed: Kharge
Addressing a joint press conference, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that the parties came together to discuss a range of issues.
"Everybody agreed to have one name for the alliance. Earlier we were called UPA. Now we will be called Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance - INDIA," he said.
"It is a great achievement for us that they together will solve many problems of the country. Third is, an 11-member coordination committee will be set up," he said.
The next meeting will be held in Mumbai where the 11 committee members will be elected, he said.
"One secretariat will be set up for campaign management and other committees for specific issues will be set up in Delhi since it is the capital and it is convenient for everybody," he said.
A joint statement has also been drafted by the parties, he said.
"After seeing everything, Modi ji is calling an NDA meet of 30 parties. I don't know who these 30 parties are or if they are registered with the Election Commission. I am also in Parliament, I have not heard of any of these parties," he said, adding that the NDA did not care about its allies before the Opposition unity.
"It means that he is afraid of Opposition parties, otherwise he never bothered. Secondly, people gathered here are not to become something, but to save democracy and Constitution; to fight inflation and unemployment," he added.
New Alliance Named INDIA
The new alliance has been named INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), reports say.
TMC MP Derek O'Brien took to Twitter to say 'Chak De 'INDIA'.
‘Did Not Get 303 Seats by Itself’: Kharge Hits Out at BJP
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the ruling government and said:
"I am happy that 26 parties are present in Bengaluru to work unitedly. Together, we are in government in 11 states today," Kharge added
'PM Modi Will Return to Power': Sonowal
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the NDA will return to power despite the Opposition's efforts.
"No matter how hard the opposition tries, in 2024, BJP-led NDA government will be formed. PM Modi will be sworn in as the Prime Minister of the country," he said.
'BJP Dividing and Ruling Like the British'
KM Kader Mohideen, President of Indian Union Muslim League said that the BJP is dividing and ruining the country like the British did.
'Need to Save India As We Know It': Sitaram Yechury
CPI (M) leaders Sitaram yechury said that the Opposition meet is important because "we want to save India, as we know what India is."
"The country is under tremendous multi-dimensional assault.The country has to be saved in order to change for the better," he said.
'Outcome Will be Beneficial For the Country':
TMC chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that the outcome of the meeting will be beneficial for this country.
PM Modi Made a Mess of Every Sector: Arvind Kejriwal
AAP chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that PM Modi got a chance to rule the country for the past ten years and he made a "complete mess of almost every sector."
"He has created hatred amongst the people, the economy is in shambles, inflation is at its peak, there is unemployment in all sectors. It is time for the people of India to get rid of him, so all the like-minded parties are coming together," he said.
'Strength of Diversity Being Destroyed': Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said that that the country's constitution and democracy are being played with.
"Diversity which is the strength of this country is being destroyed. That's why we all have united to save the 'Idea of India'," she said.
JKNC chief Omar Abdullah said that the meeting is a continuation of the process that was started in Patna a few weeks ago.
"It is important that we put up a united stand against everything that is going wrong in this country, particularly the way in which the constitution is being eroded and the secular fabric of this country is being undermined. All sensible parties need to come together and unite in opposition to this," he said.
'Constitutional Institutions Under Attack': Tejashwi Yadav
Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav said that the Opposition parties have come together to save the country's democracy, constitution and brotherhood.
"The constitutional institutions of the country are being misused and the properties of the country are being sold. Instead of talking about the real issues like farmers, youth, inflation, only hatred is being talked about," he said.
'Country Needs a Strong Alternative': Jayant Chaudhary
RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary said that the country needs a strong alternative to PM Modi.
"We need a strong alternative. Twe are in opposition today and the parties have experienced leaders. If we work unitedly today and take up issues of the people and struggle together, there is no chance that the government will be toppled in 2024," he said.
'Alliance for Saving Democracy': Lalu Yadav
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said that Opposition unity is important to save democracy.
"The alliance is important to save the country and the democracy. It is important to save the farmers and labourers of the country. Good governance ended under Narendra Modi's rule," he said.
Parties Asked To Suggest Name for Joint Alliance: Report
During a dinner on Monday night, all Opposition parties were asked to suggest a name for the joint alliance, news agency PTI reported.
The same is scheduled to be discussed during the meeting on Tuesday.
The parties are also expected to issue a joint declaration and set up a committee for the functioning of the grouping, which may be headed by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, the report added.
'Congress Not Interested in Post of PM': Kharge
At the joint Opposition meet, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the Congress is not interested in the post of prime minister, news agency ANI reported, quoting sources.
Meeting Begins
The meeting between 26 Opposition parties is underway in Bengaluru.
26 Parties in Attendance, Meeting To Begin Shortly
Representatives of all 26 parties have arrived for the meeting, which is scheduled to begin any minute.
Sharad Pawar Arrives for Meet
NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, who had opted out of the the first day of the joint Opposition meeting on Monday, arrived for the meet on Tuesday, 18 July.
Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann Arrive for Meet
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP leaders Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh arrived for the Opposition meet in Bengaluru.
Rahul, Sonia, Kharge Arrive for Meet
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi arrive for the second day of the 26-party Opposition meet in Bengaluru.
PM Modi Slams Opposition Meet, Takes Veiled Jibe at Gandhis
Ahead of the NDA meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Oppoosition meeting to call the Opposition parties an alliance of "corruption and dynasty politics."
Asserting that that those responsible for India's misery have set up shops, PM Modi said: "For the 26 for '24, he label is something else, the condition is something else. The truth is different from the song being sung. There are two guarantees offered at these shops - casteism and corruption. They have gathered in Bengaluru. I remember a song called "Ek chehre pe kai chehre."
"When they clicked in one frame, the nation only sees corruption. People call it an alliance of corruption," he said.
"Their label is that of a corruption guarantee of Rs 20 lakh crore. There is another speciality of this alliance - if there is somebody involved in a multi-crore scam, he is given special treatment. If the family is involved in corruption, they get even better treatment. If any current minister is jailed, he is invited as a special guest," he said.
"The owners of this shop of corruption are stanch supporters of dynasty politics," he said.
"A democracy is of the people, for the people, by the people. But the dynasts have only one policy - of the family, by the family, for the family. Family first, nation nothing is their mooto and inspitration," he said.
"They want to enslave the Constitution of India," he alleged.
Further alleging that dynasty politics never did right by the youth of the nation, he said: "Nafrat hai, ghotale hai, tushtikaran hai, mann kaale hain...(there is hate, scams, appeasement and black hearts)," he said.
"Their common minimum programme is to stop the progress of the nation," he added.
Posters Targeting Nitish Kumar Removed in Bengaluru
Posters targeting Nitish Kumar that were erected at Bengaluru's Chalukya Circle were removed by authorities.
The posters took jibes at Nitish Kumar over the collapse of the Sultanganj bridge.
Posters against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar put up ahead of the second day of the opposition leaders meeting, in Bengaluru, Monday night, July 17, 2023.
(Photo: PTI)
Sharad Pawar Leaves for Bengaluru
NCP supremo Sharad Pawar is en route to Bengaluru for the joint Opposition meeting.
This will be Sharad Pawar's first attendance after Ajit Pawar engineered a vertical split in the party and joined the Maharashtra government on 2 July.
6 Agendas for Tuesday's Opposition Meeting
The agenda for Tuesday’s meeting listed by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday is as follows:
Forming separate subcommittees for drafting a common agenda for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections
Strategising a joint programme for all parties
Deciding seat sharing on state-by-state basis
Deciding on a name for the alliance
Setting up a common secretariat
Suggesting reforms to the Election Commission, including the issue of EVMs
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Published: 18 Jul 2023,11:10 AM IST