NDA Meet LIVE Updates | ’NDA Not Made for Toppling Govt’: PM Addresses Gathering
NDA Meet in Delhi Live News Updates: Catch all LIVE updates here.
NDA Meet in Delhi LIVE Updates
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NDA Meet in Delhi Live Updates: As many as 38 political parties began a meeting on Tuesday, 18 July, in New Delhi under the umbrella of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
At the NDA meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "NDA recently completed 25 years. I am grateful to the old people who have connected with us, and welcome the new ones."
He previously hit out at the Opposition meeting to call the Opposition parties an alliance of "corruption and dynasty politics."
This comes on the same day as the 26-party Opposition meet in Bengaluru, which will saw the presence of political heavyweights like Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Arvind Kejriwal, and many others.
The NDA meet was announced by BJP President JP Nadda on Monday
The BJP's former alliance partner Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSRCP have not been invited for the meeting
Nadda said on Monday that the reason behind the NDA's expansion was the 'positive impact' of the Modi government's policies
Several parties, including the Congress, said that the NDA meeting signified the BJP is scared of the Opposition alliance.
The Rashtriya Lok Janta Dal & Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have said that they have joined the NDA alliance.
Several leaders including Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, Edappadi K Palaniswami and Praful Patel landed in Delhi to attend the meeting.
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Parties Attending the NDA Meet
The NDA meet on Tuesday will see participation from 38 political parties. These include:
BJP
AIADMK
Shiv Sena (Shinde)
NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)
Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt, Dhadial)
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas Paswan)
National People’s Party
Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha
Jannayak Janata Party
All Jharkhand Students’ Union
Apna Dal
Asom Gana Parishad
Rashtriya Lok Jan Shakti Party
Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party
All Jharkhand Students’ Union
Republican Party of India
Mizo National Front
Pattali Makkal Katchi
Tamil Maanila Congress
Indiya Makkal Kalvi Munnetra Kazhagam
Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura
Bodo People’s Party
United People’s Party Liberal
Nishad Party
All India NR Congress
Hindustani Awam Morcha
Rashtriya Lok Samata Party
Vikassheel Insaan Party (Mukesh Sahni)
Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (Om Prakash Rajbhar)
TDP, YSRCP Not Invited
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the BJP's former alliance partner, was not invited for the meet. The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP was also not sent an invitation. Hence, the two parties are not part of the NDA or the Opposition meetings.
'BJP Has Always Been Ideologically Consistent': JP Nadda
Asserting the BJP's leadership over the NDA alliance, party president JP Nadda said on Monday: "The BJP is the only party, since it came into existence, has pursued issues ideologically — be it the Ram Temple or Article 370, we have always stood for a strong nation."
"We have been consistent. And it’s an ideological journey. Some people understand us today, some tomorrow. If not today, we will get them after five or 10 years,” he added.
'Oppn Unity Alliance of Scams, Dynasty Politics': PM Modi
Ahead of the NDA meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Oppoosition meeting to call the Opposition parties an alliance of "corruption and dynasty politics."
Asserting that that those responsible for India's misery have set up shops, PM Modi said: "For the 26 for '24, he label is something else, the condition is something else. The truth is different from the song being sung. There are two guarantees offered at these shops - casteism and corruption. They have gathered in Bengaluru. I remember a song called "Ek chehre pe kai chehre."
"When they clicked in one frame, the nation only sees corruption. People call it an alliance of corruption," he said.
"Their label is that of a corruption guarantee of Rs 20 lakh crore. There is another speciality of this alliance - if there is somebody involved in a multi-crore scam, he is given special treatment. If the family is involved in corruption, they get even better treatment. If any current minister is jailed, he is invited as a special guest," he said.
"The owners of this shop of corruption are stanch supporters of dynasty politics," he said.
"A democracy is of the people, for the people, by the people. But the dynasts have only one policy - of the family, by the family, for the family. Family first, nation nothing is their mooto and inspitration," he said.
"They want to enslave the Constitution of India," he alleged.
Further alleging that dynasty politics never did right by the youth of the nation, he said: "Nafrat hai, ghotale hai, tushtikaran hai, mann kaale hain...(there is hate, scams, appeasement and black hearts)," he said.
"Their common minimum program is to stop the progress of the nation," he added.
PM Modi Targets Bengal Panchayat Elections
Targeting the poll violence during the recent Panchayat elections in West Bengal, PM Modi said that the Opposition parties choose to remain silent on the issue.
"You must have seen what happened during Panchayat elections in West Bengal. All parties are silent on it. The leaders of the Congress and Left parties over there were calling for help to save them. But for their own selfish motives, the Congress and left leaders have left their party workers to die," he said.
"Be it atrocities against women or paper leaks in Rajastha, they don't see it any of it. When some leaders resort to multi-crore scams for liquor, the alliance shields them," he added.
"You see what's happening in Tamil Nadu, so many scams are coming forward. But all parties of this aliance have already given a clean chit to all," PM Modi said.
'All Well in NDA': Chirag Paswan
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, who is an invitee at the NDA meet on Tuesday, said, "All is well in NDA. Talks were going on for a long time. We had some concerns and discussions were held over it and very amicably & positively an agreement was reached. Our aim is the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2025 Bihar election."
'Get-Together of Corrupt Dynasts': BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla on Opposition Meet
Slamming the joint Opposition meet, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, "Those who have no mission or vision but have their own commission, corruption and obsession and family profession have come together."
"Such dynasts and corrupt have just one slogan: bhrashtachar ka hai bhaichara, isliye jinko kal tak dete theyy gaali, wo aaj unko lag raha hai pyaara. This PDA is 'Parivarik Dalon ka Alliance'...Their shop sells only corruption and dynasty," he added.
'We have Joined the NDA': RLJD's Upendra Kushwaha
Rashtriya Lok Janta Dal President Upendra Kushwaha, said, "We have joined the NDA. There is no alternative to PM Modi, we will fight the elections together and will form the govt in 2024.
‘36 Out of These 38 Parties Have No MP’: SP Spokesperson on NDA Meeting
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ameeque Jamei on NDA meeting said, “Why 38 political parties have been invited (to the NDA meeting) when (BJP claims that) PM Modi alone in enough for the opposition? 36 out of these 38 parties have no member in the Parliament, they are only present on papers."
’Will Win With More Than 350 seats’:Ramdas Athawale
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said ''The agenda of the opposition meeting is not the welfare of the people but to remove PM Modi. Around 26 parties have attended the Opposition meeting but we in NDA have around leaders from 38 parties."
Ramdas Athawale further said:
‘BJP-Led NDA Govt Will Be Formed’: Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “No matter how hard the opposition tries, in 2024, BJP-led NDA govt will be formed."
"PM Modi will be sworn in as the Prime Minister of the country, again."
‘Did Not Get 303 Seats by Itself’: Kharge Hits Out at BJP
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the ruling government and said:
"I am happy that 26 parties are present in Bengaluru to work unitedly. Together, we are in government in 11 states today," Kharge added
‘Popularity of NDA Govt Is Rising Constantly’: Anupriya Patel
Union Minister Anupriya Patel spoke on Bengaluru opposition meeting, she said, “In the last two (Lok Sabha) elections, we have seen how the people of the country have rejected all these parties that have gathered in Bengaluru."
"The popularity of NDA government is rising constantly," Patel added.
Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel Land in Delhi
Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel touched down in Delhi to attend the NDA meeting
"Everyone has the right to take decisions as per their political parties. Those meeting in Bengaluru will work as per they want and we will work as we want," Praful Patel said.
Eknath Shinde Touches Down Ahead of NDA Meeting
Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde landed in Delhi to participate in the NDA meeting.
"Opposition still has not been able to decide its leader, this is a win for Modi ji. Their agenda is only to level allegations at Modi Ji, but this will only strengthen NDA which will lead to breaking all records in 2024," he said.
Senior BJP Leaders Underway at Rajnath Singh's Residence
News agency ANI reported that a meeting of senior BJP leaders is underway at the residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where issues including issues regarding the upcoming session of Parliament are being discussed.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and union ministers Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw and other leaders are present.
Home Minister Amit Shah Arrives
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at 'The Ashok Hotel' in Delhi for the NDA meeting.
‘Have Not Even Heard of Many Parties’: Kharge Hits Out at NDA Meeting
“NDA is holding a meeting with 30 parties. I have not heard about so many parties in India. Earlier they didn't hold any meetings but now they are meeting one by one (with NDA parties) PM Modi is now afraid of opposition parties,” said Mallikarjun Kharge during a press conference following the conclusion of the opposition meet in Bengaluru.
‘Ours Is a Time Tested Alliance’: PM Modi Tweets Ahead of Meet
Ahead of the National Democratic Alliance's meeting at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, PM Modi tweeted and said, "It is a matter of immense joy that our valued NDA partners from across India will be attending the meeting in Delhi today."
"Ours is a time tested alliance which seeks to further national progress and fulfil regional aspirations," he added.
Chirag Paswan, Ramdas Athawale Arrive at Ashok Hotel
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan and Republican Party of India (Athawale) President Ramdas Athawale arrived at The Ashok Hotel.
NDA Meet Begins, 38 Parties Present
The National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) meeting to chalk out a joint strategy to tackle opposition alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls began in Delhi and a total of 38 political parties are reportedly attending the meeting.
'Suddenly Revived Idea of NDA': Omar Abdullah
National Congress leader Omar Abdullah commented on the NDA meeting and said, "When was the last time an NDA meeting was held. Why they (BJP) have suddenly revived the idea of NDA."
"For them (BJP), alliance has become a necessity..." he added.
DK Shivakumar Hits Out at NDA Meeting
Karnataka Deputy CM and Congress leader DK Shivakumar. They are remembering NDA after a long time." Ea
‘Will Be India vs PM’: Kapil Sibal
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also hit out at the NDA's meeting currently underway in New Delhi and said, " The opposition has taken this name (INDIA) because, in the coming months, it will be India vs PM Modi because all the people here (opposition) are fighting for the inclusive India which is written in the Constitution and PM Modi is fighting for exclusive India."
Referring to Modi's remark regarding families in politics, Sibal rebutted and said, "Which dynastic politics he (PM Modi) is talking about. Does Arvind Kejriwal belongs to a dynasty or Ashok Gehlot belongs to a dynasty?These statements are not based on any thing substantial."
'Main Allies of NDA are ED, CBI, IT': Brinda Karat
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, on the meeting of NDA leaders in Delhi, said, "Main allies of NDA are ED, CBI, IT; they should have been presented in the NDA meeting."
'INDIA' vs BJP: 5 Big Takeaways From the Opposition and NDA Meetings
Irrespective of who wins in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, today will be remembered as a historic day that laid down the battle lines.
On the one hand, 26 Opposition parties came together in Bengaluru and announced the formation of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, or INDIA.
On the other hand, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is having a massively expanded meeting, with as many as 38 parties in attendance.
The Quint's political editor Aditya Menon brings you the the five key takeaways from the two meetings and what they mean in the build-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Click here for the full story!
PM Modi Addresses NDA Meeting
Addressing the meeting, PM Modi said, "NDA recently completed 25 years. I am grateful to the old people who have connected with us. And welcome the new ones."
Here are the top points from Modi's address.
"India has long tradition of coalitions, but those formed with negativity have never succeeded."
"Even when we were in the opposition, we always did positive politics. In opposition, we brought out scams of the then govts but, never insulted the mandate of the people. We never took the help of foreign powers against the ruling governments. We never created hurdles in development schemes meant for the country ."
"Alliances have been a part of our political history and negative alliances have not worked in India. The NDA was not formed against any party, or to remove any party."
"Leaders like Parkash Singh Badal, Balasaheb Thackeray, Ajit Singh, Sharad Yadav contributed in shaping India."
"Pre-2014 coalition govts somehow survived but country got policy paralysis and a high command above prime minister."
"Another coincidence is associated with this journey of 25 years of NDA. This is the time when our country is taking big steps to achieve a big goal in the coming 25 years. This goal is of a developed India, of a self-reliant India."
"The NDA was formed to bring stability in country. The world's faith on India has increased because of a stable and strong government."
"For NDA, it is nation first, security of the nation first, progress first and empowerment of people first."
Modi further said in the last 9 years, the NDA government has stopped all ways of corruption and stopped leakage in government schemes. He added that the academicians and researchers has should study the scope of work conducted by NDA government.
"In the last 9 years, we have transferred ₹30 lakh crore through Direct Benefit Transfer in the bank accounts of poor and saved around ₹3 lakh crore which earlier used to go in corruption."
"Hamare liye gathbandhan majboori nahi majbooti ka madhyam hai. NDA is not the symbol of coalition and compulsion but the symbol of coalition and contribution. In NDA, no party is small or big. We all are walking together towards the same goal."
"NDA is walking path of social justice shown by Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Ram Manohar Lohia."
According to Modi, the invitations extended to NDA leaders by prominent world leaders such as those from the US, Japan, and the UK are quite remarkable. This is particularly noteworthy considering the upcoming general elections in India.
"We have maintained political stability in the country. It is NDA that gave Pranab Mukherjee the Bharat Ratna, who was in the Congress for his whole life. We gave him this honour without any hesitation."
PM Modi expressed his gratitude towards leaders who may have attempted to reach out to him over the past nine years but were unable to do so, or who may not have received invitations to certain events or opportunities to meet him.