'I.N.D.I.A. Should Be Headed By Kharge': Pawar Confirms Consensus On Congress Chief's Name

NCP chief Sharad Pawar asserted that there was no dispute among the I.N.D.I.A. bloc members over its convenor as a consensus has emerged on appointing Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the chairperson

In a significant development within the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.), a consensus has emerged on appointing Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the chairperson of the opposition bloc. The decision was reached during a virtual meeting of I.N.D.I.A. leaders. NCP President and former Maharashtra chief minister Sharad Pawar confirmed that the Opposition bloc agreed on choosing Kharge as its chairperson.

According to news agency ANI, Sharad Pawar stated, "A meeting of I.N.D.I.A. Alliance was held under the chairmanship of Mallikarjun Kharge. We had a discussion that we all will take a decision on seat sharing as soon as possible. It was suggested by some that the alliance should be headed by Mallikarjun Kharge and everyone agreed."

Pawar further revealed that a committee has been formed to strategise plans in the upcoming days. 

According to news agency PTI, the NCP President asserted that there was no dispute among the I.N.D.I.A. bloc members over appointing its convenor. He disclosed, "During the virtual meeting, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's name was suggested for the post of convenor, but he was of the view that a team of party chiefs should be formed, and there is no need to appoint a convenor."

Pawar emphasised that there is no need to project a face for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, as the leader can be chosen once the results are declared. He stated, "There is no need to project one face to seek votes. We will select the leader after the elections, and we are confident of providing an alternative." He cited the example of the 1977 elections when Morarji Desai was not projected as the prime ministerial face by the opposition.

According to PTI, the NCP president said, "In 1977, Morarji Desai was not projected as the prime ministerial face by the opposition," adding that it was a positive sign that multiple parties were joining forces.

On the subject of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, he mentioned, "Candidates were not discussed... We will discuss seat-sharing. For the Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, seat-sharing was discussed, and we will announce once it is finalised."

Regarding the I.N.D.I.A. bloc's plans, Pawar stated, "The INDIA bloc meeting discussed programs and policies to be taken up. It was decided that a committee would be formed that will decide on holding joint rallies of the allies all over the country."

On the Ram temple issue, Pawar addressed concerns, stating, "Nobody opposes the Ram temple in Ayodhya, but the political motive in holding the consecration ceremony in the temple whose construction is not yet complete is being questioned."

The consensus on Mallikarjun Kharge's appointment as the chairperson of the bloc awaits an official announcement, and the proposal to make Nitish Kumar the convenor is pending consultation with parties whose representatives were not present in the meeting. 

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to X and posted, "Everyone is happy that the seat-sharing talks are progressing in a positive way. I, along with Rahul Gandhi, invited all INDIA Parties to join ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’."

Under the umbrella of the INDIA bloc, 28 opposition parties have joined forces to collectively challenge the BJP and strive for victory in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.