"Together as far as possible" echoes at INDIA meet in Mumbai | Read for details

The opposition's INDIA alliance, on the concluding day of its meeting in Mumbai, announced its intent to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections "together as far as possible." This declaration has raised questions about the actual extent of unity within the opposition as it aims to thwart Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bid for an unprecedented third term.

The alliance's resolution includes plans to coordinate communication strategies and campaigns under the theme "Judega Bharat, Jiteega India" in various languages. It also addresses seat-sharing arrangements, emphasizing a collaborative spirit in negotiating these agreements.

While the mega opposition meet was seen as a significant effort to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party's dominance, it concluded with some discord. Former Congress leader Kapil Sibal's surprise entry stirred drama, and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed a political resolution due to its inclusion of calls for a caste-based census.

Despite these differences, the alliance announced a 13-member cross-party "coordination committee" to address issues like a possible Common Minimum Programme and the challenge of seat-sharing across the country. Several other committees, including those for campaign planning, social media management, and data handling, are also being planned.

However, details about a joint election schedule and a logo for the INDIA alliance remain undisclosed, leaving uncertainties about the unity of opposition parties less than a year before the 2024 elections. Nevertheless, the opposition appears to have maintained its cohesion and presented a united front to the press, including addressing complex topics like seat-sharing.