Prime Minister Modi to chair a crucial meeting of NDA leaders in Chandigarh, focusing on national development and unity against the opposition

In a strategic display of unity and strength, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is convening a meeting of its chief ministers and deputy chief ministers today in Chandigarh, coinciding with the swearing-in ceremony of Nayab Singh Saini as the Chief Minister of Haryana for a second term. This gathering aims to maintain momentum following the BJP’s remarkable victory in Haryana, as the coalition gears up for upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the meeting, which will also feature prominent figures such as Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP President JP Nadda. The agenda for this significant meeting includes discussions on India’s development and the celebration of the Constitution. However, a particularly poignant topic will be the observance of the “50th anniversary of the attempt to murder democracy,” a veiled reference to the Emergency period, widely interpreted as a direct critique of the Congress party and the opposition INDIA alliance.

The BJP, which currently boasts 13 chief ministers and 16 deputy chief ministers, will be joined by chief ministers from allied NDA parties, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Meghalaya. A statement from the BJP highlighted that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will also take the lead in discussions.

“This meeting will focus on a structured agenda covering national development issues and commemorating the observance of Samvidhan Ka Amrut Mahotsav,” the BJP’s statement elaborated. This careful selection of topics signals the NDA’s intent to consolidate its narrative and unify its members ahead of crucial state elections.

The timing of Mr Saini’s swearing-in is noteworthy, as it coincides with Valmiki Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, who is revered as the author of the Ramayana. BJP sources indicated that this date was deliberately chosen to resonate with Scheduled Castes, whose voting patterns reportedly shifted towards the INDIA alliance in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The BJP fell short of a majority for the first time in a decade, securing only 240 seats.

Amidst this backdrop, the Congress party’s focus on constitutional values has proven effective, boosting its tally to 99 seats, while the broader INDIA alliance garnered 234 seats in total. This shift in dynamics was palpable in Haryana, where the BJP’s Lok Sabha representation decreased to five out of ten seats, down from a clean sweep in 2019.

However, in the face of perceived anti-incumbency and public dissatisfaction, the BJP managed to not only retain its position but also achieved its best-ever performance in the Haryana assembly elections held a few months later. This electoral success has been interpreted by BJP leaders as evidence that the Scheduled Caste vote has returned to the party, a crucial factor they believe will influence the upcoming elections in Maharashtra.

The significance of Scheduled Caste voters is expected to be prominent in Maharashtra, where the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition faces formidable challenges. Yet, following the party’s triumph in Haryana, there is a renewed sense of optimism within the coalition.

As the NDA convenes in Chandigarh, the political landscape is undeniably shifting, with alliances being tested and strategies recalibrated in anticipation of the upcoming assembly elections. The meeting not only underscores the NDA’s intent to consolidate power but also highlights its awareness of the changing voter sentiments across key states.

In the wake of recent electoral trends, the NDA is keen to leverage its victories to reinforce its foothold and counter the growing opposition narrative. The Haryana elections stand as a testament to the party’s resilience, and as leaders gather in Chandigarh, the focus remains firmly on crafting a united front that resonates with the electorate, particularly amid concerns over reservation policies and social equity.

As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on the outcomes of the meeting and the implications it may have for the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. With the NDA leaders poised to articulate a vision of governance rooted in development and inclusivity, the political stakes continue to rise in this pivotal phase of India’s democratic journey.