As many as 17 opposition parties have pledged to work together to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Following a four-hour meeting hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday (June 23), leaders from various regional and national parties expressed their views on the importance of unity and working with flexibility while putting differences aside. 


While the BJP dismissed the opposition parties' unity as a sham, they demonstrated a determination to work together and present a strong challenge to the ruling party in the upcoming general elections. Here are some of the top quotes from the 'Patna Mega Meet': 


'Told Nitish To Start Meeting From Patna, It Will Turn Into Public Movement': Mamata Banerjee


"I told Nitish Kumar that starting a meeting in Patna would turn into a public movement. Our last meeting was in Delhi, but it was ineffective. This meeting was good," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said after the opposition meeting, according to PTI.



READ | 'Congress Silence Will Help BJP': After Opposition Meet, AAP Slams INC Over Its Stance On Delhi Ordinance


'Very Positive Meeting, Will Be Contesting Next Elections Together': Nitish Kumar


Bihar CM Nitish Kumar stated, "Very positive talks were held today, and we have decided to contest (Lok Sabha elections) together. Another meeting of all (opposition) parties will be held to determine the next steps. Almost everything will be finalised at that meeting. Mallikarjun Kharge will preside over the meeting early next month."



'Battle Of Ideologies': Rahul Gandhi Stresses Unity Of Ideologies After Mega Meet


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said: "It is a battle of ideologies. Indeed, there will be differences amongst us but we have decided to work together and protect the ideologies shared by us". 



READ | From BJP's 'Photo Session' Jibe To Oppn's 'Ye Darr Accha Hai' Counter-Attack: War Of Words Over Crucial Patna Meet


'Next Meeting In Shimla Next Month To Prepare Agenda': Kharge 


Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said: "We will meet again in July in Shimla to prepare an agenda on how to move ahead together while working in our respective states to fight BJP in 2024".



'Parties Across India United For Principles': Omar Abdullah


After the opposition meeting, NC leader Omar Abdullah stated that "17 parties from Kashmir to Kanyakumari have come together not for power, but for principles".



READ | Nitish Kumar Became CM By Allying With BJP, But Now...: Owaisi Slams Opposition's Mega Meet In Patna