The INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, has given its approval to Mallikarjun Kharge as the chairperson during a virtual meeting held on Saturday. Although the official announcement is yet to be made, sources reveal that the decision was reached with consensus.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was initially considered for the position of the convener of the INDIA bloc. However, during the meeting, Kumar suggested that someone from the Congress party should assume the role.
Key leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former President Rahul Gandhi, senior leader K.C. Venugopal, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Lalan Singh, Sanjay Jha, former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and other leaders participated in the virtual meeting.
While the appointment of a chairperson marks the first step for the INDIA bloc, political experts point out that numerous challenges lie ahead. One significant challenge is the distribution of seats, especially in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar.
The INDIA bloc has held two meetings to discuss seat-sharing arrangements in Delhi and Punjab. While both parties have indicated that talks are progressing positively, there are still contentious issues. Congress seeks four seats in Delhi and seven in Punjab, but the AAP is hesitant to comply. Additionally, there are disagreements over seat allocation in Goa, Haryana, and Gujarat.
The INDIA bloc, comprising various opposition parties, including the Congress, has united to challenge the NDA, led by the BJP, and aims to prevent it from securing a third consecutive term in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
(With Agency Inputs)
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