India’s Political Landscape Realigns Ahead of 2024 General Elections

New Delhi: As the 2024 general elections approach, India’s political landscape is witnessing significant realignments. The two primary coalitions are the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the newly formed Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), comprising the Congress and 25 other opposition parties.

Currently, 65 parties have aligned with either the BJP or the Congress-led coalition, while 11 parties with a total of 91 members in Parliament have opted to remain neutral for the time being.

Three of the fence-sitters govern sizable states – Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha – together accounting for 63 Lok Sabha seats where the opposition parties have struggled to gain traction.

Notable exclusions from both coalitions include YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Bahujan Samaj Party, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Janata Dal (Secular), Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), and SAD (Mann).

The evolving alliances and strategies indicate that all parties are gearing up for a highly competitive electoral battle, with the aim of forming a government that serves the interests of their respective constituents.

Amidst the political manoeuvring, some regional parties have raised concerns over inadequate support from the BJP-led central government for their respective states, indicating that regional issues will play a significant role in the electoral discourse.

As the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, parties are likely to intensify their efforts to sway public opinion and secure crucial alliances in the lead-up to the general elections.