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Dushyant Kumar Gautam, the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took a dig at the opposition’s INDIA alliance on Friday, stating that any collaboration between opposition parties would prove ineffective anywhere.
Gautam pointed out that the inaugural meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) held in Patna on June 23 was not attended by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and the subsequent meeting on July 17-18 was not attended by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
He remarked, “I am of the belief that the alliance strategy of the INDIA Bloc will soon collapse, and who knows how many will skip the upcoming third meeting.”
The INDIA opposition is scheduled to convene in Mumbai to strategize their next steps against the BJP-led Central government. Comprising 26 opposition parties, this alliance aims to collectively challenge the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the following year. The Mumbai meeting is scheduled for August 31 and September 1.
Gautam also criticized opposition parties for their internal conflicts and rivalry in state assembly elections. He observed, “In Punjab, the AAP won’t even allocate a single seat to the Congress. The situation is unfavorable in Delhi, which is why Arvind Kejriwal might discuss seat-sharing. The Trinamool Congress won’t permit Congress to enter West Bengal. The Congress is also facing challenges in Maharashtra.”
Further, Gautam labeled the INDIA bloc as self-centered and theatrical in nature.
He stated, “This alliance is a theatrical display and driven by self-interest. Endeavors undertaken with self-serving motives rarely succeed. These individuals are against Modi. They are yet to ascertain what they are offering the people.”
Regarding the opposition’s Mumbai gathering, Dipankar Bhattacharya, leader of the Communist Party of India Marxist–Leninist Liberation, mentioned that discussions about an awareness campaign highlighting INDIA’s commitment to safeguarding the Constitution would be on the agenda. The campaign aims to educate people about the importance of unity ahead of the 2024 national elections. He added, “Our primary goal is to communicate that the opposition coalition has been established to protect the constitution and confront the BJP-led NDA government. A timeline for the campaign could be outlined during the Mumbai meeting.”
Insiders revealed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar engaged in discussions with INDIA leaders in Delhi about the Mumbai meeting’s agenda during his two-day visit. A person, requesting anonymity, shared, “A preliminary agenda for the meeting is in progress. Talks were held between the Congress, Kumar, and other leaders.”
According to senior leaders within the opposition, discussions will soon commence among INDIA constituents regarding the establishment of four to five panels, including a crucial coordination panel, which will be unveiled during the Mumbai gathering.
