Regional parties’ alignment may be crucial in the NDA vs INDIA scenario.

NEW DELHI: Rival alliances, the ruling NDA and the opposition’s ‘INDIA’, showcased their strength on Tuesday as 63 regional parties participated in mega events in Bengaluru and the national capital. These regional parties, which hold significant sway in their respective states, are expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, it is the non-aligned regional parties that may hold the key to success for both alliances. At least 12 regional parties with 91 members in Lok Sabha did not attend either of the events. Some of these parties may eventually join one of the alliances, while others prefer to maintain their independence. Notably, regional parties ruling large states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha could have a significant impact on the election outcome. The Biju Janata Dal, YSR Congress Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party have maintained a neutral stance towards both the Congress and the BJP. Other parties like Janata Dal (Secular) and Shiromani Akali Dal may also play crucial roles, depending on their alliances and strategies. Moreover, these regional parties have previously supported the ruling BJP in passing important legislations in Rajya Sabha. The upcoming monsoon session of Parliament will further highlight their influence in the numbers game. Overall, the role of independent regional parties in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections remains uncertain, but their decisions and alliances could significantly impact the final outcome.