In a prelude to the third gathering of the united Opposition bloc INDIA, leaders have indicated that discussions on a Common Minimum Programme and seat sharing will likely feature on the agenda. The two-day meeting, slated to commence in Mumbai tomorrow, will convene 28 parties, an increase of two compared to the previous session in Bengaluru. Six Chief Ministers of Opposition-ruled states will also participate in the event.
Veteran leader Sharad Pawar expressed, “We will be sitting and discussing a Common Minimum Programme.” He further revealed that deliberations on seat sharing might commence during this meeting, possibly leading to designated leaders holding talks with state representatives.
Uddhav Thackeray, whose party Shiv Sena UBT is hosting the event, began by invoking the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and took a subtle jab at the BJP. “Today is Raksha Bandhan… The BJP should tie rakhi to Bilkis Bano, women of Manipur, women wrestlers… They should feel safe in the country, and that’s why we have come together,” he articulated.
The Opposition recently claimed credit for the Centre’s announcement of a ₹200 subsidy for cooking gas. Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of Mr. Thackeray’s party, attributed the reduction in gas cylinder prices to the efforts of INDIA. “The price of the gas cylinder has been reduced by 200 rupees. That’s because of INDIA meet,” he asserted.
Amid expectations, an 11-member coordination committee is anticipated to be named during the meeting. Congress’s Mallikarjun Kharge mentioned, “At that meeting in Mumbai, we will decide on who the 11 will be, who the Convenor will be, etc. These are small things.”
The name of the united Opposition front, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), was proposed during the previous Bengaluru meeting. Congress’s Rahul Gandhi emphasized the ideological battle, stating, “The fight is between NDA and INDIA, Narendra Modi and India, his ideology and India… The fight is about two different ideas of India… The fight is for the voice of the country.”
The BJP responded with skepticism, describing the name as pretentious and championing the term “Bharat” against India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the distinction, emphasizing that the NDA’s work is dedicated to the people, especially the marginalized and backward communities.
As the Opposition prepares to convene, the meeting gains significance as a platform to consolidate its strategies, project unity, and address the country’s diverse concerns on the political stage.
Sources By Agencies
