In a significant move aimed at bolstering opposition unity, former Congress President Sonia Gandhi used the first meeting of the reconstituted Congress Working Committee to convey a powerful message of cohesion to the 28-member INDIA alliance. She stressed the imperative of standing together against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming political landscape.
Sonia Gandhi’s remarks come in the wake of the third meeting of the INDIA alliance, which took place in Mumbai, and the inaugural session of its Coordination Committee, hosted by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar. These statements take on added significance as reports suggest that the alliance may face challenges in seat-sharing arrangements, particularly in states like West Bengal, Delhi, and Punjab.
After the recent Mumbai meeting, the INDIA alliance parties announced their intent to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election “together as far as possible.” This declaration sparked speculation that hurdles in seat allocation negotiations might lie ahead.
In the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president, launched a scathing critique of the BJP-led government. Kharge accused the Modi administration of failing on multiple fronts, including inflation control, unemployment, addressing income inequality, and addressing the plight of farmers and laborers.
Kharge also voiced concerns about the country’s internal challenges and the unfolding events in Manipur. He criticized the government for not effectively managing the situation in Manipur, and he remarked that these incidents tarnish India’s image as a modern, progressive, and secular nation.
Addressing economic concerns, Kharge warned of a “grave danger” to the economy due to rising prices, which have adversely affected the common man. He also criticized the government’s response to China’s border encroachments, asserting that it poses a critical threat to national security.
Regarding the INDIA alliance, Kharge stated, “After three successful meetings, the INDIA alliance is forging ahead to combat the anti-people and anti-democratic BJP government.” He strongly condemned the government’s efforts to stifle opposition in Parliament and limit public scrutiny.
The CWC meeting, held in Hyderabad, is seen as a strategic move signaling the Congress party’s determination to secure a victory in the forthcoming Telangana Assembly elections. Additionally, discussions centered on preparations for assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Notable members of the Congress Working Committee include Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and former Union Ministers P Chidambaram and Jairam Ramesh.
Sonia Gandhi’s call for unity within the INDIA alliance underscores the evolving dynamics of Indian politics as opposition parties seek to form a united front ahead of critical electoral battles.
Sources By Agencies
