I.N.D.I.A's 'samuhik sankalp' promises alternative agenda for the nation

The new block of 26 opposition parties now dubbed INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) took a pledge on Tuesday, 18 July to present to the nation an alternative political, social, and economic agenda.

A joint statement by the parties said: "We promise to transform both the substance and style of governance that will be more consultative, democratic and participative. We, the undersigned leaders of India’s 26 progressive parties, express our steadfast resolve to safeguard the idea of India as enshrined in the Constitution.

"The character of our republic is being severely assaulted in a systematic manner by the BJP. We are at a most crucial juncture in our nation’s history. The foundational pillars of the Indian Constitution—secular democracy, economic sovereignty, social justice and federalism—are being methodically and menacingly undermined."

Underscoring that "there is a deliberate attempt to weaken the federal structure", the joint statement issued by the INDIA read, "The role of Ggovernors and LGs in non-BJP ruled states has exceeded all constitutional norms. The brazen misuse of agencies by the BJP government against political rivals is undermining our democracy. Legitimate needs, requirements and entitlements of non-BJP ruled states are being actively denied by the Centre."

On the Manipur crisis, the statement said: "We express our grave concern over the humanitarian tragedy that has destroyed Manipur. The silence of the Prime Minister is shocking and unprecedented. There is an urgent need to bring Manipur back on the path of peace and reconciliation."

The joint statement also said the Opposition bloc "reinforces our resolve to confront the grave economic crisis of ever-rising prices of essential commodities and record unemployment".

"Demonetisation brought with it untold misery to the MSME and unorganised sectors, resulting in large-scale unemployment among our youth. We oppose the reckless sale of the nation’s wealth to favoured friends. We must build a fair economy with a strong and strategic public sector as well as a competitive and flourishing private sector, in which the spirit of enterprise is fostered and given every opportunity to expand," it continued.

"We have come together to defeat the hatred and violence being manufactured against minorities; stop the rising crimes against women, Dalits, Adivasis and Kashmiri Pandits; demand a fair hearing for all socially, educationally and economically backward communities; and, as a first step, implement the caste census," it added.

The full statement can be read here.