The INDIA alliance is a political alliance of 26 political parties in India led by the Indian National Congress. The primary objective of the alliance is to take down the ruling National Democratic Alliance government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 Indian general elections.

The alliance was formed on July 18, 2023, at a meeting of opposition leaders in Bengaluru. The name INDIA stands for "Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance". The alliance's ideology revolves around the principles of developmentalism, inclusivity, and social justice. By combining their efforts, the member parties aim to protect democratic values, promote welfare and progress, and counter what they perceive as an ideology that threatens the idea of India.

The member parties of the INDIA alliance include:

• Indian National Congress
• Communist Party of India (Marxist)
• Communist Party of India
• National Conference
• Rashtriya Janata Dal
• Samajwadi Party
• Bahujan Samaj Party
• Janata Dal (United)
• Trinamool Congress
• Shiv Sena
• Telangana Rashtra Samithi
• Aam Aadmi Party
• Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
• Jammu and Kashmir National Conference
• Jharkhand Mukti Morcha
• All India Trinamool Congress
• Indian Union Muslim League
• Nationalist Congress Party
• People's Democratic Party
• Sikkim Krantikari Morcha
• Rashtriya Lok Dal
• Janata Dal (Secular)

The newly formed alliance is bound to face backlash and criticism. The disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from parliament in March, followed by his conviction in a criminal defamation case filed by a BJP leader had been slammed by several opposition parties and critics from a political perspective, with an attempt to silence the opposition. The BJP has denounced the INDIA alliance.

On 18 July, Tuesday, the BJP celebrated nine years in power at a gathering in New Delhi along with 38 allies, exuded confidence about clinching a convincing victory next year. At the meeting, Modi slammed the INDIA alliance calling it a “hardcore corruption convention” and said “people have already decided to bring our government back in 2024.”

Political analysts are seen pointing out that Modi’s ratings are high and he remains a charismatic leader. And the fact that 26 parties have to join to tackle the Modi government itself shows the supremacy Narendra Modi as a leader holds! And while Modi, who is rightfully the face of the BJP, is often seen as someone who can pull crowds, the INDIA alliance lacks such a leader.

Moreover, an alliance of this sort in a hugely diverse and populated country like India is definitely a risk. There are open chances of the elite parties fighting for key positions and supreme authority. Politicians have always been power hungry and it would be less surprising to see our Indian politicians go hand in hand for a long time. In near future, even if there targets and agendas are achieved, chances of parting ways will get wider. 

Social media is already taking a toll at the alliance party. Several opinions are seen demeaning and mocking the alliance party. @skindoctor13 tweeted :

Naming a political alliance “INDIA” and hoping that it will make them win elections is like naming your donkey “USAIN BOLT” and hoping that it will make them win a gold medal in horse racing.

There are also controversies pouring in that questioned the use of an English word “INDIA” over a Hindi word “BHARAT”. 

Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma recently edited his bio from “India” to “Bharat” which further garnered attention over social media.

Further, corrupted politicians within the alliance party passing vague and controversial remarks is already downgrading INDIA as an allied party. There is little room for doubt that a secure and peaceful future of the party is unclear. Mainly leaders like Nitish Kumar and Sharad Pawar keep aside their corruptive nature and make the alliance party reach its goals is a matter of doubt. The ultimate question that is arising in every Indian's mind right now is, “Can Special 26 take over Modi in 2024?”