In a pivotal virtual meeting, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has been appointed as the chairperson of the Opposition INDIA alliance. However, the convener position initially offered to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar sees a temporary withdrawal, awaiting consensus among allies.
Nitish Kumar’s Decision and Alliance Dynamics
Sources reveal that Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) president, has temporarily withdrawn from the convener race, emphasizing his acceptance only in the presence of a consensus among alliance members. The meeting showcased a virtual gathering of influential leaders, including Kharge, NCP president Sharad Pawar, DMK president MK Stalin, and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal.
Notable Absences: Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav
Prominent leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav chose to skip the meeting, suggesting potential differences within the alliance. Tensions escalated as the TMC, having declined seat-sharing talks with the Congress earlier, opted out of the meeting.
TMC’s Stance and Seat-Sharing Disputes
The TMC’s reluctance to appoint Nitish Kumar as the convener became apparent, with reports of strained enthusiasm within the party. Seat-sharing talks faced hurdles when the TMC offered a concession in Bengal, which the state Congress rejected.
JD(U)’s North-South Strategy
JD(U) had advocated for a North-South leadership approach, proposing Kharge as the chairperson and Kumar as the convener. The move aimed to present a positive signal in the absence of a prime ministerial face for the INDIA alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Congress’s Reluctance and Alliance Dynamics
While the Congress hesitated to lead the alliance due to discomfort among regional parties, it expressed willingness for Kumar’s convener role under a consensus agreement. Nevertheless, the JD(U) expressed dissatisfaction with the Congress’s perceived lack of enthusiasm on the matter.
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