Opposition meet in Bengaluru on July 17, 18: Congress

NEW DELHI: As the high-voltage Maharashtra political drama continues to unfold, all eyes are on the proposed Opposition meeting in Bengaluru on July 17-18.

While the Aam Aadmi Party had bared its fangs at the Opposition meet in Patna on June 23, Trinamul Congress leaders, fighting both the Left
and the Congress in West Bengal, continued to blow hot and cold.

As the NCP’s tallest leader, Sharad Pawar, accused nephew Ajit
Pawar and close associate Praful Patel of “betrayal”, some of the NCP rebels claimed that he was “aware” of the developments.

Sources revealed that at a recently-held NCP meeting, Pawar had reportedly told his MLAs that “they were free to do whatever they wanted to”. Rumours are flying thick and fast that Praful Patel could get a Cabinet berth at the Centre.

With regard to the Opposition meeting in Karnataka, AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal made the announcement on Twitter and said: “We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces”. In a tweet, Venugopal said: “After a hugely successful all-Opposition meeting in Patna, we will be holding the next meeting in Bengaluru on July 17 and 18. We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces and present a bold vision to take the country forward.”

Sharad Pawar, speaking in Mumbai, also said it was the “time to unite”.

TMC leader Derek O’Brien pitched for Opposition unity, saying” “All for one and one for all."