Former Union Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Yashwant Sinha has called on Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar to leave the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and join the INDIA bloc following the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Sinha emphasized that their decisions at this critical juncture would be remembered by history.
In a post on social media platform X, Sinha criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, accusing it of undermining India’s constitution and democracy. He highlighted three main concerns: the misuse of investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Income Tax Department to pressure politicians and businesspeople; the influence of money through illegal electoral bonds and crony capitalism to sway elections and legislators; and the manipulation of media, bureaucracy, and the Election Commission to serve Modi’s agenda. Sinha’s call to action is clear: Naidu and Kumar must join the INDIA bloc to safeguard the nation’s future.
Sinha’s remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Modi addressed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers at the party headquarters in New Delhi, where he expressed gratitude for the historic third term given to the NDA. Modi assured his supporters that his new term would focus on significant decisions, particularly targeting corruption. He condemned the glorification of corruption for political gain and pledged that the NDA’s third term would intensify efforts to eradicate all forms of corruption.
As political developments continue to unfold, the Opposition’s INDIA bloc is scheduled to meet on June 5 to discuss its future strategy. Reports indicate that key Opposition leaders have already initiated outreach to Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, potentially offering significant positions, including that of Deputy Prime Minister, to secure their support.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also voiced strong criticism of PM Modi, interpreting the 2024 election results as a mandate against the Prime Minister. Kharge described the outcome as a political and moral defeat for Modi, highlighting that despite Modi seeking votes in his own name, the public had decisively rejected him. This, Kharge argued, signifies a substantial moral setback for Modi.
The coming days will be pivotal as both alliances strategize and negotiate to form the next government. The focus will be on whether key NDA allies like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu will heed Sinha’s advice and switch allegiances to the INDIA bloc, potentially altering the political landscape of India.