Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has been named as the chairperson of the opposition INDIA bloc. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also got the post of convener after weeks of tussle among the alliance parties over the key role. The decision was taken unanimously at the virtual meeting of the top INDIA bloc leaders on Saturday.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, who weren’t present at the meeting, will be informed about the decision, people familiar with the development said.
However, Nitish Kumar has turned down the post of convener saying someone from the Congress party should take up the responsibility, people familiar with the matter said. According to a report by The Indian Express, Kumar said he would only accept the role if all parties were in agreement.
The alliance, formed to take on the Narendra Modi-led BJP juggernaut in the 2024 general election, had been facing challenges from within over several issues, including the contentious appointment of a convenor. The JD(U) wanted Nitish Kumar as the convener but was being opposed by the TMC, reported PTI.
The virtual meeting of INDIA bloc leaders began on Saturday afternoon to review the seat-sharing agenda, participation in Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and other pressing issues related to the alliance.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar attended the meeting of INDIA bloc leaders via video conferencing in Mumbai.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin and party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi attended the meeting via video conferencing in Chennai.
Saturday’s deliberation was the second such attempt to hold a virtual meeting as the previous attempt a few days ago did not materialise, according to the PTI report.
(With inputs from agencies)
Aisha Patel is a dedicated Indian correspondent with a deep understanding of the nation’s diverse affairs. With a background in Indian culture, politics, and current events, she provides in-depth analysis and timely reporting on domestic issues within India.
