On Saturday, after a series of meetings and deliberations, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is named as the chairperson of the opposition-led INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc, according to the sources. In addition, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has declined the post of convener. However, the development comes as leaders of the INDIA bloc held a virtual meeting to review the seat-sharing in the upcoming Lok Sabha election and other relevant matters.
INDIA bloc’s virtual meeting
The leaders of the bloc met virtually to review the seat-sharing, participation in the upcoming Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, and many other things. While the NCP chief Sharad Pawar attended the meeting via video conferencing in Mumbai, DMK leader MK Stalin and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi attended the meeting from Chennai. Additionally, the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee, who was not present at the meeting will be informed about the decision.
However, Nitish Kumar has backed down from the post of ‘convener’ saying someone from the Congress party should take up the responsibility. Also, he stated that he would only accept the role if all the parties were in agreement.
Why did Nitish Kumar decline the “convener” post?
Accepting the convener post might require significant time and effort, which Kumar might prefer to dedicate to governing Bihar, especially for the upcoming state election.
Moreover, by deciding the convenorship, Kumar may be seen as promoting the Congress party and Kharge’s leadership within the alliance. This could potentially strengthen Congress and give it a bigger role in the upcoming elections.
Kharge as “bloc chief” is significant for the Congress Party
Kharge’s elevation to “bloc chief” injects a sense of fresh energy and purpose into the party. His long political experience and stature as a veteran leader commands respect both within the Congress and amongst the opposition. Furthermore, his appointment signals the Congress’s commitment to the INDIA bloc, potentially attracting the BJP factions and other regional parties for the united front against the ruling party.
About INDIA Bloc
The INDIA bloc or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, is made up of several regional parties, including the Congress, the Samajwadi Party (SP), the JD (U), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The alliance is hoping to present a united front against the BJP, which has been in power since 2014.
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