Seat-Sharing Talks Progress Positively in INDIA Bloc: Mallikarjun Kharge
New Delhi: After the virtual meeting of the INDIA bloc was held today, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the seat-sharing talks are progressing in a positive way.
In a post on X, Kharge also invited all the INDIA bloc parties to join Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' at their convenience.
"Leaders of the INDIA Coordination Commitee today met online and had a fruitful discussion on the alliance. Everyone is happy that the seat-sharing talks are progressing positively. We also discussed about joint programs in the coming days by INDIA Parties. I, along with Rahul Gandhi ji invited all INDIA Parties to join 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' at their convenience and use the opportunity to raise the social, political and economic issues plaguing the common people of this country," Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X.
Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar attended the meeting of INDIA bloc leaders via video conferencing in Mumbai.
Sharad Pawar said that a meeting of INDIA Alliance was held under the chairmanship of Mallikarjun Kharge." We had a discussion that we all will take a decision on seat sharing as soon as possible. It was suggested by some that the alliance should be headed by Mallikarjun Kharge and everyone agreed," he added.
"We also formed a committee to make plans in the coming days. Everyone suggested that Nitish Kumar should take responsibility as the convenor, but his opinion is that the one who is already in charge should continue... (On PM's face) After the elections, if we get the majority, then we would be able to give a better option to the country...," he added.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin and party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi attended the meeting via video conferencing in Chennai.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was absent as she was attending a pre-decided state program.
Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) national president Nitish Kumar on Saturday rejected the post of convenor of the INDIA bloc, sources said.
According to sources, the Bihar CM suggested that someone from the Congress should take responsibility of the post.
Earlier in its last meeting Mamata Banerjee and SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav had proposed the name of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the Prime Ministerial candidate.
INDIA or 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance' is a group of opposition parties, including the Congress. The parties have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in the Lok Sabha elections.