The Facts
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), formed in June by 28 opposition parties, announced on Friday that they will contest the 2024 national elections together "as far as possible" to avoid splitting votes in favor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The likely exceptions are reportedly the states of Kerala, where the BJP has a minor presence, and West Bengala, where the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is expected to challenge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The Spin
Narrative A
While seat-sharing agreements are likely to boost the opposition camp in the national elections, public disillusion alone may not be enough to dethrone Modi. Thus, the INDIA alliance must also have a communication strategy, an electoral plan, and a vision for the country, as the BJP has unmatched financial power and control over the media and the state machine.
Narrative B
Opposition leaders that have created this so-called unity platform exclusively to try to defeat Modi have groundlessly claimed that the premier has become scared to the point that he's planning to weaken democracy to remain in power. His actions say otherwise, as he has recommended the "one nation, one election" concept to bolster India's democratic system.