Kharge in touch with INDIA bloc allies on seat sharing

New Delhi: The Opposition INDIA bloc is moving fast with discussions on seat-sharing and scheduling meetings for various states. The Congress claimed that the party president Mallikarjun Kharge is in touch with leaders of all INDIA bloc constituents to ensure better coordination in the Opposition alliance.

“Mr Kharge is in touch with leaders of all parties in the INDIA bloc on how best to give structure to ensure closer coordination in the alliance," AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh said.

The Congress leader said the party president has also talked to all leaders, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Decisions on key issues within the alliance will be taken soon.

The assertion comes amid talk that the alliance could appoint a convener. The name of Mr Kumar is doing the rounds for the post. Ever since 28 parties have come together to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there have been demands for the appointment of a convener, a spokesperson, and a secretariat.

"Talks on seat-sharing with the TMC in West Bengal and with the JD(U) in Bihar are expected to take place in a day or two," Mr. Ramesh said.

“There is clarity among leaders on seat-sharing. Clarity is fast developing with all parties on seat adjustments," he said, adding that the Congress leadership is committed to going the extra mile to accommodate all the allies.

The Congress held preliminary talks for seat-sharing in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections with the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP for Maharashtra and with the Samajwadi Party for Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.

In the last couple of days, the Congress has held several rounds of internal as well as external meetings on the seat-sharing issue with the INDIA alliance partners.