BJP calls NDA meeting on July 18, several smaller parties expected to join

Ahead of the 2024 general elections, both the ruling party and the opposition are gearing up by convening meetings with their respective coalition partners. The opposition coalition has scheduled a meeting in Bengaluru on July 18, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a meeting of its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents in Delhi on the same day.

The NDA meeting, to be held at Ashok Hotel in Delhi, has invited all current NDA parties, including some past members. The confirmed list of attendees comprises 20 parties, such as the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) from Maharashtra, NCP (Ajit Pawar Group), LJP factions from Bihar, Hum Party led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, RLJD led by Upendra Kushwaha, Apna Dal (Sonelal) from UP, Nishad Party led by Sanjay Nishad, Subhaspa led by Om Prakash Rajbhar, NPP led by Konrad Sangma, NDBP from Nagaland, SKM from Sikkim, JJP from Haryana, Tamil Manila Congress, AIADMK, IMKMMK, AJSU from Jharkhand, Mizo National Front from Zoramthangma, AGP from Assam, and Jana Sena from Andhra Pradesh.

The participation of five political parties in the NDA meeting is being closely watched, including RLD led by Jayant Chaudhary, Shiromani Akali Dal from Punjab, TDP or YSR Congress from Andhra Pradesh, and BJD from Odisha. The BJP spokesperson clarified that the NDA meeting has no connection to the opposition meeting taking place in Bangalore.

The BJP aims to gauge the opinions of its NDA allies regarding the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections through this meeting. Additionally, it seeks to overshadow the opposition meeting by showcasing the strength of the NDA with a large gathering of parties in Delhi. By demonstrating a diverse coalition, the BJP aims to highlight its ability to compete with the opposition in terms of caste equations and expand its vote bank.

Furthermore, the BJP is prioritizing smaller parties as they collectively hold around 10% of the total votes in previous elections. For instance, in the 2019 elections, the Apna Dal, with just 1.2% of the votes, won two seats and helped secure the Kurmi vote bank for the BJP.

Congress leader KC Venugopal responded to the NDA meeting, stating that he is pleased they are following the alliance approach, acknowledging the need for alliances.

Before the July 18 meeting, the presidents or prominent leaders of the NDA constituents will gather for a dinner meeting on July 17, providing an indication of the parties attending the subsequent meeting.