The NDA, or National Democratic Alliance, is a grouping of right-leaning political parties, led by the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The NDA first came to power in 1999, which lasted until 2004 under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. More recently, it has been the ruling coalition since 2014, with Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister.
It was formed in 1998 with 20 parties. Notable parties in this alliance today are the NCP led by Ajit Pawar, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Janata Dal (United) led by Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal (Secular) led by H.D. Dewe Gowda, the Lok Janshakti Party led by Chirag Paswan, the Indigenous Pope’s Front of Tripura, the Telugu Desam Party led by N.Chandrababu Naidu, and the Tamil Manila Congress led by G.K. Vasan.
Have you noticed how the darbari journalists are in a tizzy, as if on a cue, writing/speaking/anchoring articles/shows crucifying the EC? Need I say more on the nexus between this Lutyen’s club and their political masters?
This may or may not be the case. However, elections and the democratic, peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next is one of India’s great achievements. The ECI should do all in its power to lay to rest concerns that are being raised by the opposition, which too represents a very wide swathe of the population. The counting of votes and declaration of results should be a joyous moment, marked by mithai, vermilion, firecrackers.