Group of political parties have started formulating their respective strategies for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the battle for power in 2024, it would be now INDIA vs NDA. On one hand, where there are a total of 38 parties with the BJP in this battle under the flagship of National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Congress is trying to conquer the fort of Delhi with 26 allies and have named the alliance Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). However, there are some parties which are neither in the camp of NDA nor of INDIA. Nevertheless, it is believed that the role of these parties can still be important in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
NDA vs INDIA in 2024 elections
In the meeting of the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition on July 18, the picture has become clearer regarding the two main rivals of the 2024 elections. In the opposition meeting held in Bengaluru on Tuesday (July 18), it was agreed to name the alliance INDIA (India National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), and it is being promoted as NDA vs INDIA. However, YSRCP, TDP, BRS, AIMIM, JDS, VIP, BSP, RLP, BJD and Akali Dal have not yet joined either of these two groups. A look at the possibilities:
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM): Asaduddin Owaisi's party has decided to at the fence. Political pundits believe that Owaisi is looking for a bigger role for himself at the national level, in such a situation, he does not want to be tied to any faction at the moment. Now only time will tell to what extent AIMIM is able to influence the people on its own in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led Biju Janata Dal, who has taken the state to new developmental highs of GDP at 7.8% (2022-23) has kept a modest distance from both alliances. While the main rival of the BJD in the state is the BJP, it has good relations with the central government headed by the same party. In such a situation, there is every possibility of BJD going it alone in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party, which has nine members in the Lok Sabha. has announced that it will not be a part of any faction in the upcoming general elections. A few leaders are of the view that the allies of INDIA do not trust the BSP supremo and on the other hand BJP will not be in a position to accept all the demands of a tall leader like him. At the same time, Mayawati also knows that if she goes with either of the two sides, then this time she may have to compromise on a big level. In such a situation, the option of going it alone in the upcoming elections seems most effective for them.
Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP): The main reason behind the regional party not picking sides is the upcoming Rajasthan election. In 2019, the RLP had contested the election in alliance with the BJP. However, just like SAD, it quit the alliance over the controversial three farm laws. Another reason, is also that it is projecting itself as a third alternative after Congress and BJP. There were also reports that it may forge an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming elections.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)
Bharat Rashtra Samithi who is a fierce critic of PM Modi is a major player in Telangana politics. So joining NDA was out of the question. Party leader and Chief Minister of the state K. Chandrasekhar Rao had earlier tried to lead the opposition in the fight against the BJP, but he backed down due to lack of good response. It is believed that at present, KCR's focus is on further expansion of his party. Jagan Mohan Reddy is known as a mass leader in Andhra Pradesh.
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YSR Congress
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's party YSR Congress has also maintained equal distance from NDA and INDIA. However, on the ground, Jagan seems to be closer to the NDA, and the reason for this could also be the ongoing investigation into the corruption case against him. Jagan Mohan Reddy is known as a mass leader in Andhra Pradesh. In such a situation, even if BJP and YSR Congress are face to face in the state, the story at the centre will be different.
Shiromani Akali Dal
Ahead of NDA's meeting on July 18, there were talks that Shiromani Akali Dal may do a 'ghar wapasi'. On ground reality, after separating from the NDA, the strength of the Akali Dal in Punjab has decreased. And after the Assembly elections, SAD could not even get to double-digit mark. Hence speculations are ripe that in an attempt to revive itself, the Akali Dal may once again come with the NDA, and discussions about this are also going on for some time.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP)
The Telugu Desam Party, led by former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu, is currently fighting for its existence. It was Chandrababu Naidu who parted ways with the NDA before the last Lok Sabha elections. Ironically, the decision proved fatal for him. Keeping this in consideration, there were talks about it joining the NDA once again. However, there has been no clarity on this. Owing to his past association with the NDA, the INDIA coalition also does not seem to be showing much interest in Chandrababu.
Janata Dal (Secular) JDS: If poll pundits are to be believed, former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy are in talks with the BJP to forge an post-poll alliance. According to reports, the BJP has agreed to give 4-5 seats to the party.
