31 August,2023 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Lalu Prasad Yadav arrived for I-N-D-I-A meet at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai (Pic/Pradeep Dhivar)
On Thursday, the leaders of I-N-D-I-A alliance stated that they have come together to save the Constitution and democracy in the country.
The leaders aim to evolve a common program as they prepare to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A two-day conclave of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I-N-D-I-A) will be held in Mumbai.
Lalu Prasad Yadav said the need of the hour is to protect the Constitution and democracy. "The Modi government has failed to address the issues of poverty, unemployment and welfare of farmers. At the I-N-D-I-A alliance meet, we will work on evolving a common programme. We have to contest elections one-on-one (put up common candidates against the BJP) ," the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav said.
Bihar's deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav stated that the Maha Gatbandhan came to power in Bihar in August last year and Lalu Prasad Yadav and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar decided to work on getting all like-minded parties on board for a larger Opposition alliance. "A year later, we are meeting in Mumbai for the third time as an I-N-D-I-A alliance," Tejashwi said.
"People will not forgive us if we don't meet their expectations," the RJD leader added.
Mehbooba Mufti, PDP leader also stated that the youth were the strength of India. "Leaders from Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh worked to give a direction to the youth and set up institutions like JNU, IIMs, ISRO," she said.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha mentioned the BJP fears the I-N-D-I-A alliance. "They have hatred for the word I-N-D-I-A and are even linking the name to a terror outfit. It is not just hatred but also fear about (what) if the alliance succeeds," he said.
Expressing his view, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said the I-N-D-I-A alliance leaders have come together to protect the Constitution.
(with inputs from PTI)
