BJP Launches Poll Campaign Amid INDIA Bloc Struggles with Seat-Sharing Woes

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As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shifts into high gear for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the Opposition’s INDIA bloc faces internal challenges, struggling to reach a consensus on seat-sharing among its diverse partners.

On Thursday, January 25, the BJP officially kicked off its election campaign, unveiling a theme song and a new slogan for the forthcoming polls. Titled “Sapne Nahi Haqeeqat Bunte Hai, Tabhi Toh Sab Modi Ko Chunte Hai” (We don’t weave dreams, we create reality, that’s why everyone chooses Modi), the video song highlighted PM Modi’s transformative impact on the aspirations of millions of Indians.

In addition to the campaign launch, PM Modi encouraged citizens to contribute their ideas for the BJP’s manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he urged the youth of India to share their thoughts on the NaMo App, expressing anticipation to meet some contributors personally in the future.

While the BJP is reportedly finalizing its election strategy, including seat allocations for its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies, the INDIA bloc is grappling with challenges in several states. Seat-sharing discussions are reaching their conclusion in Karnataka, Bihar, Assam, and Maharashtra within the NDA. A notable feature of the BJP’s approach is the potential early announcement of candidates for several constituencies, particularly in regions where the party is looking to strengthen its presence.

Having set a bold target of winning 400 plus seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP’s robust preparations stand in contrast to the struggles within the INDIA bloc. Led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, the bloc is facing internal dissension. Key partners, including TMC leader Mamata Banerjee and Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have declared their intent to contest the elections independently in West Bengal and Punjab, respectively.

The internal dynamics within the INDIA bloc are further complicated by rifts between Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and RJD in Bihar. Maharashtra, a significant battleground, witnessed a deadlock in seat-sharing talks among Maha Vikas Aghadi partners – Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). The grand old party rejected the demand for 23 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats made by Shiv Sena, leading to a roadblock in negotiations.

The fate of the INDIA bloc hangs in the balance as it grapples with internal discord and challenges in maintaining unity. The coming days will determine whether the coalition can overcome its hurdles and present a united front in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls or if the BJP’s formidable election machinery will dominate the political landscape.

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