The Opposition’s mega meeting in Bengaluru, scheduled for a two-day session, is set to witness the participation of 26 political parties from all corners of the country. The aim of this gathering is to strategize and counter the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) stronghold in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, addressing a press conference, dismissed media reports suggesting the absence of senior leaders, clarifying that they would attend the meeting on Tuesday.
The first such major opposition meet was convened by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna on June 23. This Bengaluru gathering is a continuation of that successful event. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, speaking at the press briefing, stated, “Tomorrow, the meeting will start at 11 am. We have 26 political parties from all over India participating in this meeting.”
Ramesh, countering reports of Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar’s delayed attendance until July 18, emphasized that the meeting would indeed take place as scheduled. He further highlighted the bafflement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP regarding the Opposition’s unity, remarking, “Attempts are being made to breathe new life into the NDA (National Democratic Alliance). This is a result of the meeting in Patna.”
In response to the Opposition gathering, the BJP-led NDA has announced a significant gathering in New Delhi on July 18, with the participation of around 30 parties anticipated.
Accusing the BJP of attempting to stifle the voice of the Opposition, Venugopal alleged that they are misusing agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He pointed to the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Parliament as a prime example of such tactics.
Regarding the agenda of the Bengaluru meeting and the possibility of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) acquiring a new name, Venugopal stated that all decisions would be collectively made by the participating opposition parties. The Congress is keen on emphasizing the unity and collaborative decision-making among the opposition.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, present at the press conference, highlighted the significance of the meeting, stressing that it symbolizes the coming together of opposition parties for the betterment of the nation and its people. Shivakumar, tasked with overseeing the meeting’s preparations, expressed optimism about the unity and its potential to yield positive results in the 2024 elections.
As the Opposition gears up for a critical gathering in Bengaluru, the nation watches with anticipation to witness the outcomes of this unified front against the ruling BJP.
Sources By Agencies
