Another Meeting Planned in Shimla as Opposition’s Unity Meet Hits Roadblock

Patna: The leaders of various opposition parties gathered in Patna today to devise a plan for the establishment of an anti-BJP coalition for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, hosted a meeting of these parties, where they discussed their unity and plans for the upcoming elections. However, a final meeting will be held in Shimla next month to finalize the details.

During the joint press conference, Nitish Kumar mentioned that leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and MK Stalin were absent due to their flight schedules. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made a surprising announcement, stating that they will not participate in any future opposition gatherings unless the Congress publicly opposes the controversial ordinance that takes away administrative control from the Delhi government.

Reports suggest that there were heated exchanges between the Congress and the AAP during the meeting. Arvind Kejriwal sought clarification from the Congress on their stance regarding the ordinance, while Mallikarjun Kharge raised allegations of a Congress-BJP deal made by the AAP Chief Spokesperson.

The details of seat sharing and party-wise split will be finalized in the upcoming Shimla meeting, as stated by Nitish Kumar. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge mentioned that the next meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 10 or 12, where the strategy for all states will be discussed.

Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of fighting against the alleged attack on democratic institutions, acknowledging ideological differences but expressing the need to work together to protect their shared ideology. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, also stressed the unity of the attending parties, referring to it as a public movement against the BJP’s dictatorial practices and unjust laws.

Mehbooba Mufti, the head of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party, expressed concern about the treatment of minorities in India and urged for the preservation of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. Omar Abdullah from the National Conference highlighted that the coalition was formed based on principles, not for the pursuit of power.

Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) acknowledged ideological differences but emphasized the parties’ commitment to defending democratic values against any threat. D Raja from the CPI criticized the BJP’s governance, calling it disastrous for the nation, and emphasized the need to defeat the BJP in the upcoming elections.

The BJP has accused the opposition of being dynastic and focused on safeguarding their own families. Union Minister Smriti Irani, a BJP leader, criticized the alliance, claiming that it aims to hinder India’s economic development.