In a significant development for the opposition in Bharat, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been appointed as the chairperson of the INDIA bloc. The decision was made during a virtual meeting of top leaders from the opposition on Saturday, where Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was named as the convener after weeks of internal disagreements among alliance parties.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Nitish Kumar declined the post of convener, expressing his preference for a representative from the Congress party to assume the responsibility. According to JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha, who was present in the meeting, Kumar insisted that he would only accept the role if all parties within the alliance reached a consensus on the matter.
The alliance, formed with the objective of challenging the ruling BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming 2024 general elections, has been grappling with internal challenges, including the contentious appointment of a convener. The JD(U) had advocated for Nitish Kumar to assume the role, but faced opposition from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), as reported by PTI.
The virtual meeting of INDIA bloc leaders on Saturday aimed to discuss crucial matters such as seat-sharing agreements, participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, and other pressing issues related to the alliance. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar participated in the meeting via video conferencing from Mumbai, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi attended virtually from Chennai.
This meeting marked the second attempt to convene a virtual discussion, with the previous attempt a few days ago not materializing, according to the PTI report. The absence of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee from the meeting has prompted plans to inform them about the decision reached during the session.
The developments within the INDIA bloc reflect the challenges faced by the opposition as they strategize and coordinate efforts to present a formidable front against the ruling BJP in the upcoming elections.
Comments