22-06-2023 : Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti’s arrival in Patna to attend the opposition meeting has drawn significant attention. The meeting, scheduled for June 23, was initiated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is also the leader of the Janata Dal (United) party. The objective behind this gathering is to foster a sense of cohesion among the opposition parties in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
As Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP), reached Patna, she maintained a low profile and refrained from interacting with the media. Instead, she proceeded directly to the designated guest house where the participants of the meeting are accommodated. This move has generated curiosity and speculation regarding her stance on various issues and her potential role in the opposition’s collective agenda.
The involvement of Nitish Kumar in organizing this opposition meeting holds significance, particularly in the context of his recent departure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his persistent advocacy for opposition unity. Since severing ties with the BJP in August of the previous year, Kumar has been actively emphasizing the need for a consolidated opposition front. His efforts to bring together leaders from different political parties signify a strategic attempt to present a united front against the ruling party in the upcoming national elections.
It is worth noting that Mehbooba Mufti’s political trajectory is intertwined with the BJP. She previously led a coalition government with the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir. However, differences and disagreements eventually strained the alliance, leading to her resignation as chief minister. Following her resignation, the region was placed under President’s rule until the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories.
The opposition meeting in Patna holds immense significance as it provides a platform for leaders like Mehbooba Mufti to engage in dialogue, share their perspectives, and explore possibilities for collaboration. The gathering serves as a forum for discussing critical issues concerning the nation. By coming together, opposition leaders aim to build a broader consensus and develop a cohesive strategy to counter the ruling party’s influence.