Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut announced that the anticipated INDIA bloc meeting to deliberate over strategies and leadership will occur between December 16 and 18. Raut cited the unavailability of key leaders like Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, Nitish Kumar, and Akhilesh Yadav today due to prior commitments, prompting the rescheduling of the meeting.
“The India Alliance meeting was scheduled for today, but due to the engagements of prominent leaders, it has been rescheduled for December 16 or 18.” During this meeting, we hope to decide on the face and other details. The unity remains intact, and its impact will be felt in 2024,” Raut confirmed.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had previously called for an INDIA bloc leaders’ meeting today, but several leaders, including Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, have expressed their inability to attend due to other obligations.
“Seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, which are four months away, remains a top priority.” “This gathering is significant, particularly in light of Congress’s losses in key states,” Raut added.
Priyanka Chaturvedi, another Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, echoed Raut’s sentiments, confirming that the meeting would convene shortly.
However, the BJP dismissed the India alliance as a mere photo opportunity. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal suggested that remarks by leaders like Kamal Nath signaled the alliance’s superficial nature.
The Samajwadi Party, previously at odds with Congress over seat-sharing, expressed a softened stance, with spokesperson Rajinder Chaudhary stating that the recent election results would fortify the India bloc.
“Akhilesh Yadav highlighted that the recent poll results will strengthen the alliance, posing a concern for the BJP. The public sentiment is inclined toward change. In Uttar Pradesh, the PDA will triumph over the NDA on all 80 Lok Sabha seats,” Chaudhary emphasized.