INDIA Alliance Sets the Stage for Joint Public Meetings and Seat-Sharing Talks, first public meeting in Bhopal next month

13-09-2023 : During the inaugural meeting of the coordination committee within the INDIA alliance, a significant decision was reached regarding seat-sharing discussions among its member parties. The alliance, comprising various opposition parties, unanimously decided that seat-sharing negotiations would commence on a state-specific basis, encompassing not only the upcoming Lok Sabha elections but also the forthcoming Assembly polls.

The meeting, held at the Delhi residence of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, the senior-most member of the 14-member panel, marked a pivotal moment in opposition politics. In a proactive move, the participating parties resolved to engage in seat-sharing discussions for both state and national elections.

Sources indicate that discussions for seat-sharing have been planned for several states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. It’s worth noting that the Congress and Left parties have already agreed to form an alliance for the Telangana polls.

In a joint statement released following the meeting, it was emphasized that the seat-sharing process would be initiated promptly, with member parties engaging in discussions to finalize arrangements. This decision underscores the alliance’s commitment to fostering unity among opposition forces.

Furthermore, the coordination committee agreed to conduct joint public meetings in various regions of the country. The inaugural public meeting is scheduled to take place in Bhopal during the first week of October, addressing critical issues such as rising prices, unemployment, and corruption within the BJP government. This choice of venue is strategic, given that Madhya Pradesh is heading into elections.

Another noteworthy development was the decision to raise the issue of a caste census, a topic of considerable significance in India’s socio-political landscape. The stress on “parties present in the meeting” in the joint statement holds significance as Trinamool Congress’ Abhishek Banerjee was unable to attend the meeting due to his summons by the Enforcement Directorate. Trinamool has expressed reservations about endorsing the caste census issue, which led to its exclusion from the resolution adopted by the INDIA alliance during its Mumbai meeting.

Addressing Trinamool’s stance on the caste census, Congress’s K.C. Venugopal affirmed that the parties present at the meeting were in alignment regarding this matter and indicated that discussions with Trinamool Congress would ensue.

However, it is worth noting that the coordination committee did not delve into discussions about a common manifesto or a shared vision document during this initial meeting. These subjects are anticipated to be addressed at a later stage, as the opposition alliance continues to formulate its strategy for the upcoming elections.