Following Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's refusal to assume the role of convener for the INDIA bloc, the virtual meeting held on Saturday saw the proposal of RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav as an alternative. Initially, Rahul Gandhi had nominated Nitish Kumar for the position of alliance chairperson, but upon his rejection, another leader suggested Lalu Prasad Yadav for the role.
In response to the proposal, Nitish Kumar supported the idea, stating, "This is right. Make Lalu Ji the chairperson." However, Lalu Prasad Yadav remained silent, prompting Rahul Gandhi to reintroduce Nitish Kumar's name. In a twist, JD-U leader Lalan Singh conveyed that they would internally discuss the proposal within the party.
Participants in the virtual meeting included Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former president Rahul Gandhi, senior leader K.C. Venugopal, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, along with Lalan Singh and Sanjay Jha. Also present were former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, RJD President and Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav. Additionally, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and other leaders were part of the discussion.
Sources indicated that various topics, including the arrangement of seat sharing, were deliberated during the course of the meeting.
(With Agency Inputs)
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