Mallikarjun Kharge PM Face of Opposition Parties?

In a major development at the INDIA bloc meeting on Tuesday, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress, proposed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the opposition alliance. The endorsement of this proposal also came from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief Vaiko shared this information, emphasizing the strategic discussions within the opposition.

Following the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc, which focused on crucial aspects such as seat-sharing, joint campaign strategies, and countering the BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Kharge, in a press conference, downplayed the PM candidate discussion, stating, “Let’s win first, the PM face will be discussed later.” The immediate priority, according to Kharge, is to concentrate on contesting and securing victories in the elections.

During the press conference, Kharge acknowledged ongoing seat-sharing discussions, particularly addressing conflicts in states like Punjab, which will be addressed in due course. The Opposition alliance plans to launch its joint campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on January 30, marking a united front against the ruling party.

Despite the progress in seat-sharing talks, the Trinamool Congress has emphasized the urgency of finalizing the seat allocation, particularly in West Bengal, by the year’s end. The suggestion includes a proposal for the Congress to contest approximately 300 seats where it directly contends with the BJP.

Post the INDIA meeting, Kharge announced the alliance’s decision to protest against the suspension of 151 MPs on December 22. The unprecedented suspension was a consequence of protests and slogans raised during the Lok Sabha’s security breach on December 13. Kharge expressed concern over the suspension, emphasizing the united stand of the opposition against this move.

Originally scheduled for December 6, the INDIA bloc meeting had to be postponed due to key leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, and Arvind Kejriwal, indicating their inability to attend. The fourth meeting gains significance against the backdrop of the highest-ever suspension of 141 MPs from various opposition parties during a single session, amplifying the opposition’s resolve to address key issues collectively.