INDIA bloc
Also called: Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance · Topic: Recent Developments in Indian Politics: Coalitions, Mandal and a New Consensus · NCERT: Class 9, Ch 7 "Elections"
Meaning
The INDIA bloc (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) is an alliance of opposition parties formed in July 2023. Its members are the Congress and many regional parties. They came together to fight the 2024 Lok Sabha election against the BJP-led NDA. It shows that coalition politics is still alive in India.
Example
In 2024 the INDIA bloc won about 234 seats, including 99 for the Congress and 37 for the Samajwadi Party (SP). This was not enough to form a government. However, the BJP fell to 240 seats, short of the 272 needed for a majority, so the NDA government now depends on allies. A recognised Leader of Opposition also returned to the Lok Sabha.
Don't confuse with
- United Progressive Alliance (UPA): This was the earlier Congress-led coalition, which governed from 2004 to 2014. The INDIA bloc was formed in 2023 as an opposition alliance.