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Top leaders representing 28 Opposition parties gathered in Delhi for the fourth conclave of the INDIA alliance, focusing on critical aspects pertinent to their collaborative efforts. Amid discussions and deliberations spanning over three hours, several key points emerged, shedding light on the complexities and varying perspectives within the coalition:
1. Seat Sharing Predicament Persists
The perennial issue of seat sharing among the INDIA alliance members remains a substantial challenge. Despite previous discussions and pledges to address this matter urgently, no substantial progress has been made. Discord prevails, especially concerning pivotal states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, and Delhi. The bloc anticipates difficulty in reaching a conclusive understanding anytime soon, with differing timelines proposed by different sections of the alliance.
2. Leadership Projection Discrepancies
Divergent opinions surfaced regarding the proposal for a face or leader projection within the alliance, suggested by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. While Banerjee mentioned Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge as a potential face for the alliance, responses from other leaders varied, with some endorsing the idea while others maintained silence. Kharge emphasized the priority of winning elections over projecting leadership during the meeting and reiterated this stance in a subsequent press conference.
3. Discord and Lack of Harmony
The meeting uncovered rifts and a lack of cohesion within the alliance, evident from several disagreements and instances where sparks flew between leaders. The absence of prominent leaders like Banerjee, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, RJD chief Lalu Yadav, and Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray during the post-meeting press conference further highlighted the fragmentation within the alliance.
4. Differences on EVM Resolution
While discussions around Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) took place, unanimity eluded the alliance. The proposal to pass a resolution against EVMs faced opposition, with leaders advocating instead for maximizing the use of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems to enhance election transparency.
5. Congress’s Efforts and Committee Formation
The Congress attempted to address the seat sharing impasse by announcing a national alliance committee just before the INDIA bloc meeting commenced. This move aimed to signal the party’s seriousness and willingness to engage in collaborative discussions. However, challenges in accommodating other parties in various states persist.
Joint Campaign Plans and Future Agendas
While joint rallies and campaigns were discussed, no specific dates or venues were finalized, except for a plan to stage nationwide protests on December 22 against the mass suspension of MPs. The absence of a common manifesto or agenda was evident, raising questions about the unity of purpose among the alliance members.
The meeting concluded without a clear roadmap for collective action or a consolidated approach on critical issues, underscoring the ongoing hurdles and lack of consensus within the INDIA alliance. The Congress’s efforts through the committee formation reflect an attempt to navigate the complexities of seat sharing among coalition partners.
As the Opposition gears up for joint campaigns and protests, the absence of cohesive strategies or shared objectives could pose significant challenges in presenting a united front ahead of crucial elections.
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