New Delhi (Agency): Prominent representatives from approximately 26 Indian opposition parties are slated to gather for a two-day strategic conference in Bengaluru, starting Monday. The primary objective of this assembly is to establish a consolidated front against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, according to insiders.
Congress, which is hosting this meeting, confirmed its stance against the Delhi services ordinance – a pivotal prerequisite outlined by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its participation in the discussions. The previous coalition-building meeting, which occurred in Patna under the auspices of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, witnessed the participation of 15 parties. However, this time the number is anticipated to increase significantly.
The backdrop of this gathering involves the recent split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, and the tumultuous West Bengal panchayat elections. These elections were marred by widespread violence, with accusations of oppression directed at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government from state units of the Congress and Left parties.
Sources suggest that these opposition parties intend to create a nationwide joint action plan against the BJP’s policies, with an emphasis on the aftermath of the NCP split in Maharashtra. These leaders aim to strengthen opposition unity against the BJP, intending to spotlight its alleged efforts to topple opposition governments and seize control over non-BJP-ruled states via the Governors.
However, the BJP has criticized these opposition groups, terming them as a “divided lot” with no distinct agenda beyond defeating Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP president J P Nadda described their coalition-building as an attempt to shield their dynasty politics rather than a “Patriotic Democratic Alliance.”
Conversely, CPI general secretary D Raja expressed optimism about the meeting, describing it as a significant step in showcasing the opposition’s collective resolve to defeat the BJP.
Several influential figures are expected to attend, including Congress Parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, DMK leader M K Stalin, JMM leader Hemant Soren, and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.
The BJP criticized the meeting as a desperate attempt by a “fractured” opposition, pointing out internal disagreements within the Congress. BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill accused the Congress of serving as AAP’s ‘spare wheel,’ with its only unifying factor being ‘hatred for PM Modi’ and a lust for power.
