It has been reported that Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee will not be able to participate in the virtual meeting on Saturday morning due to prior commitments.
Sources have revealed that top leaders of parties in the opposition INDIA bloc will be engaging in discussions on January 13, 2024 to strengthen the alliance, devise a strategy for seat-sharing, and determine whether to appoint a convenor for the grouping. Additionally, discussions on the convenor appointment will take place, with the JDU advocating for Nitish Kumar as the convenor, a proposition that is being contested by the TMC.
This will be the second attempt at holding a virtual meeting, as the previous attempt a few days ago was unsuccessful. The TMC has cited pre-scheduled appointments as the reason for Mamata Banerjee’s absence from the virtual meeting. Despite her unavailability, the TMC has expressed its commitment to the INDIA bloc and defeating the BJP.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh announced that INDIA party leaders will be convening over Zoom at 11:30 am on January 13, 2024 to address various issues such as seat-sharing talks and participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The INDIA bloc, consisting of 28 opposition parties, aims to challenge the BJP and emerge victorious in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, unresolved issues within the alliance, including the appointment of a convenor and seat-sharing negotiations, remain obstacles that need to be addressed.
Despite these challenges, the leaders of the various parties are committed to coming together, resolving differences, and fortifying the bloc.