INDIA Bloc Avoids Projecting PM Face for 2024 Elections

The opposition INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc, including the Congress party, has opted not to project a prime ministerial face for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress leader, emphasized the significance of elections beyond personality contests, stating that Indian elections focus on parties, ideologies, symbols, and campaigning. He downplayed the need for a common manifesto, citing the ‘Panch Nyay’ agenda as the INDIA alliance’s shared agenda. Ramesh dismissed the BJP’s claim of winning over 370 seats as “psychological warfare” and criticized their pursuit of alliances with regional parties. He highlighted the two ‘I’s in INDIA – ‘Imandari’ (honesty) and ‘Insaniyat’ (humanity) – as the focal points for the 2024 elections. The opposition faced a setback as the Trinamool Congress unilaterally announced candidates in West Bengal, with Mamata Banerjee nominating candidates on all 42 seats, disrupting efforts to forge a unified front against the BJP.