New Delhi: The BJP has decided to continue using the name 'UPA' (United Progressive Alliance) to refer to the newly formed opposition coalition, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The decision comes after the opposition front, consisting of 26 parties, chose the name INDIA at a meeting in Bengaluru on July 18.
Since the inception of the name 'INDIA,' the BJP has strongly criticised the opposition bloc, claiming that the rebranding is an attempt to conceal the past scandals of the UPA. The sources state that the opposition has opted for the name INDIA to present a cleaner image and distance itself from the alleged corruption associated with the UPA.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the opposition, accusing them of changing their name from UPA to INDIA to hide their alleged schemes against the poor. He emphasised that the name change does not reflect their patriotism but is intended to deceive the country, reported NDTV.
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also referred to the opposition bloc as UPA during a recent press conference while discussing the Manipur crisis. She criticised the opposition for continuously altering their stance on the issue.
The opposition's decision to name the alliance INDIA was motivated by the belief that the fight was not merely between the opposition and the BJP, but a battle for the idea of India itself, which they said is under attack. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced the name after the two-day meeting.
Addressing the press, Rahul Gandhi explained that the chosen name reflects the essence of the struggle, representing the contest between the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the broader concept of India.
The Congress party has a history of leading the UPA, forming the government at the Centre twice under this alliance. Sonia Gandhi served as the chairperson of UPA 1 and 2, during its governance from 2004 to 2014.