The upcoming meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc, scheduled for December 19 in New Delhi, faces pivotal challenges, including the formulation of a cohesive positive agenda, determining seat-sharing arrangements, and planning joint rallies. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh announced the event, emphasizing the theme of unity with "Main Nahin, Hum" (We, Not Me) as a counter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by PTI.
The gathering follows the Congress party's disappointing performance in recent state elections, prompting the opposition to strategize for the 2024 general elections. The need for an alternative positive agenda to counter the BJP remains a pressing concern, particularly in the aftermath of electoral setbacks in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Sources indicate that the meeting's agenda will encompass crucial discussions on seat distribution, coordination for joint election rallies, and the development of a shared program. Despite electoral setbacks, the opposition emphasizes that the poll results do not negate the relevance of issues raised during the campaign, such as caste census and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.
The opposition leader acknowledged the necessity of thinking innovatively to confront the BJP in 2024, with "Main Nahin, Hum" emerging as a potential rallying slogan. The INDIA bloc's alliance is expected to advocate for issues like caste census, legal assurances for Minimum Support Price (MSP), and social security for workers.
Addressing concerns voiced during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the opposition aims to spotlight issues like economic inequality, social polarization, political authoritarianism, inflation, and the Adani controversy. The upcoming meeting aims to solidify these concerns into a unified agenda for the opposition alliance.
The opposition plans to assess the impact of both Manmohan Singh's ten-year tenure and PM Modi's subsequent years on the common man's life. With leaders from 26 parties convening for the strategy meeting, the gathering seeks to address key challenges as the INDIA bloc gears up to challenge the BJP in the 2024 general elections. Notably, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to participate in the meeting, underscoring the collective effort to strengthen the opposition alliance.
