JAMMU, Jun 8: Manish Sahni, President of the Jammu & Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), welcomed the meeting of the INDIA Alliance held at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the democratic opposition in the country. He said that the time has come to move beyond meetings and photo opportunities, and that the alliance must now take concrete and timely decisions to address the political challenges ahead.
Sahni said that the unity of opposition parties played a significant role in preventing the BJP from securing an outright majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, he noted that the 2029 electoral battle would be far more challenging and would require a well-organized and strategic approach from the opposition.
He emphasized that if the INDIA Alliance wishes to emerge as a credible and effective alternative in 2029, it must immediately take three key steps: announce a Common Minimum Programme, appoint a full-time convenor for the alliance, and present a clear national leadership face before the people.
Manish Sahni suggested that Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray should be projected as the national face of the alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He said, “Among the opposition leaders confronting the Modi-Shah combine today, Uddhav Thackeray stands out as one of the most resilient and principled leaders. Even in the most adverse circumstances, he has never compromised on his political ideology, democratic values, or constitutional commitments.”
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, Sahni said that after the BJP’s success in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Union Territory has increasingly become a political priority for the party leadership. He alleged that attempts to politically destabilize the democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified.
Sahni further stated that the INDIA Alliance should not restrict itself to electoral politics alone. He called upon all opposition parties to unite and launch nationwide movements and protests against rising inflation, unemployment, farmers’ distress, concerns of youth, and other issues affecting common citizens. “Only when the voice of the people resonates in one united tone—from the streets to Parliament—can a strong and credible alternative emerge,” he said.
He added that recent electoral outcomes indicate that significant political opportunities exist for the opposition, provided it approaches the people with a clear agenda, strong leadership, and coordinated strategy. Sahni expressed confidence that if the INDIA Alliance strengthens its organizational structure in time and works collectively on public issues, it can play a far more effective role in the political contests ahead.