Congress Clarifies No Interest in Prime Minister’s Post, Opposition Parties Discuss Strategy Ahead of 2024 Polls
Mallikarjun Kharge's Assertion: Congress Prioritizes Constitution over Power
18-07-2023 : On Tuesday, leaders from 26 opposition parties gathered in Bengaluru to discuss their strategy ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. During the inaugural address on the second day of the opposition meeting, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made a significant statement, saying that Congress is not interested in power or the post of the Prime Minister. He clarified that their intention in the meeting was to protect the Constitution, democracy, secularism, and social justice.
Kharge acknowledged that there are differences among the opposition parties at the state level but emphasized that these differences are not ideological. He stated that these differences should not prevent them from working together to address the common issues faced by the people, such as inflation, unemployment, and the rights of marginalized communities.
Highlighting the strength of the opposition, Kharge pointed out that 26 parties were present at the meeting and that they are currently in government in 11 states. He criticized the BJP, stating that they did not secure 303 seats in the Lok Sabha elections by themselves but relied on the support of their allies. He claimed that the BJP has now been reaching out to their former allies in an attempt to mend relations.
During the meeting, NCP leader Sharad Pawar also joined the opposition unity gathering. The previous day consisted of informal discussions and a dinner meeting, while the second day focused on formal deliberations. Parties were asked to suggest names for the alliance, and discussions were held to arrive at a consensus. It was suggested that Sonia Gandhi, the former chairperson of UPA 1 and 2, should chair the new grouping.
The leaders also discussed forming sub-committees to finalize a common minimum program, communication points, and a joint opposition program of events, rallies, and conventions. The meeting was attended by top opposition leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, chief ministers from various states, former chief ministers, and party presidents and leaders.
Rahul Gandhi expressed the need for a united opposition to protect democracy and safeguard India’s constitution in a Facebook post. Discussions were held on state-wise seat-sharing and resolving differences among regional parties. The issue of Manipur and the importance of sending an all-party delegation to the violence-hit state were also highlighted.
Although talks of unity were underway, reconciling political interests and differences among opposition parties remained a challenging task. However, several parties participated in the meeting, including the Congress, TMC, AAP, CPI, CPI-M, RJD, JMM, NCP, Shiv Sena, SP, JDU, MDMK, KDMK, VCK, RSP, CPI-ML, Forward Bloc, IUML, Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Mani), Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK).
The meeting saw a total strength of around 150 opposition party members attending, signifying the growing efforts toward opposition unity in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The discussions revolved around various crucial topics, including seat-sharing, the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and the need to protect the democratic values of India.
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