Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc are scheduled to convene on January 13 for crucial discussions aimed at fortifying the alliance, devising a strategy for seat-sharing, and determining the appointment of a convenor, according to sources.
Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee will be notably absent from the virtual meeting on Saturday morning due to prior engagements, according to the sources.
The discussions are expected to focus on the selection of a convenor for the opposition alliance, with sources indicating that the JDU is advocating for Nitish Kumar, a proposal contested by the TMC, as reported by PTI.
This marks the bloc's second attempt at holding a virtual meeting, as a previous endeavor a few days ago failed to materialize, the sources added.
A TMC source conveyed that the party received information about the meeting on Friday evening. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, with pre-scheduled appointments, may not be able to attend. The source also expressed the party's commitment to the INDIA bloc and its overarching goal of defeating the BJP.
The INDIA bloc, comprising 28 opposition parties under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), has encountered unresolved issues, including the appointment of a convenor and challenges in seat-sharing negotiations.
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