I.N.D.I.A Opposition bloc 2-day meet ends, resolution adopted, coordination committee formed

I.N.D.I.A alliance leaders departed from the venue in Mumbai. The two-day meeting of the alliance concluded today.

 

NCP leader Sharad Pawar spoke at the press conference of the I.N.D.I.A alliance in Mumbai. 

 

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also attacked the Centre on the China issue. "I spent a week in Ladakh. I went to Pangong Lake right in front of where the Chinese are. I had detailed discussions, probably the most detailed discussions that any politician outside Ladakh has had with the people of Ladakh. They categorically told me that the Chinese have taken Indian land. They categorically told me that the PM is lying about the fact that the Chinese had not taken Indian land. Every single person in Ladakh knows that the people of India and the people of Ladakh have been betrayed by the Govt of India. There is clearly an accommodation that has happened between the Govt and the Chinese. There is clearly a change on the borders. Our shepherds themselves told us that they are not being allowed into the areas where they were allowed...It is extremely shameful what has happened in Ladakh," he added. 

Speaking at the press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that two important decisions were made in the session. "First, a coordination committee will be constituted, and second, a seat-sharing formula will be discussed soon and a resolution will be brought on this," he said. He further said that there are differences but they are being minimised and ironed out. 

At the I.N.D.I.A alliance press conference in Mumbai, CPI leader Sitaram Yechury said that the Opposition leaders have worked out on the understanding on the basis on which seat sharing will be done at the state level. "It is very clear that the Modi government and the BJP are rattled by the coming together of all secular parties," he added. 

 

Speaking at the Opposition alliance's press conference, RJD chief Lalu alleged that minorities are not safe in this country under the BJP rule. He further stated that poverty and unemployment are rising in the country. "The country suffered because we were not united. We had always said 'Bhajpa Hatao Desh Bachao', which is now turning out to be true," he added. 

 

Speaking at the press conference, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal slammed the Central government accusing it of being drowned in corruption.  "Today, India's youth do not have jobs. The government is working for 'one person' and is drowned in corruption," he said. "This INDIA alliance is not just an alliance of 28 parties, this is an alliance of 140 crore people of the country. The people of the country are gathering in large numbers to build the India of the 21st century, he added. 

 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that Opposition parties are working together unitedly. "So, as a result of this, those who are at the Centre will lose. They will go away. Be assured...You (media) are captive right now. Once you are free from them, you - the press - will be liberated and you will write and speak what you think is correct. This is very important...They want to alter the history of the country. Together, we will not allow them to do this...," he added. 

 

 

 

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also spoke on the special session of Parliament called by the government. 

"Today, without asking anyone, the opposition, a special session of Parliament has been called. A special session of Parliament was never called even when Manipur was burning, during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the issue of China or over issues of demonetisation and migrant labourers. I don't know what is the agenda now. This is not the way to run the country. We are slowly going towards dictatorship...," he added.

 

 

Speaking at the press conference, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that all parties conducted this meeting well. "A structure was formed for the alliance during talks at my residence earlier, in the Patna meeting an agenda was set and now in Mumbai, everyone has kept their views before each other. Everyone has one aim - how to fight unemployment and rising fuel prices and LPG cylinder costs? They (BJP) first increased the prices and reduced the price marginally...I can say that Modi ji will never work for the poor. Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi showed a report on how Adani's income has increased..." 

 

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said that the alliance passed three resolutions in today's meeting. "I.N.D.I.A parties passed three resolutions. One, we the INDIA  parties hereby resolve to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections together as far as possible. Seat-sharing arrangements in different states will be initiated immediately and concluded at the earliest in a collaborative spirit of give and take. Second, we the INDIA parties hereby resolve to organise public rallies at the earliest in different parts of the country on issues of public concern and importance. Third, we the INDIA parties hereby resolve to coordinate our respective communications and media strategies and campaigns on the theme of  'Judega Bharat, Jeetega India' in different languages."

 

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said that the alliance passed three resolutions in today's meeting. "I.N.D.I.A parties passed three resolutions. One, we the INDIA  parties hereby resolve to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections together as far as possible. Seat-sharing arrangements in different states will be initiated immediately and concluded at the earliest in a collaborative spirit of give and take. Second, we the INDIA parties hereby resolve to organise public rallies at the earliest in different parts of the country on issues of public concern and importance. Third, we the INDIA parties hereby resolve to coordinate our respective communications and media strategies and campaigns on the theme of  'Judega Bharat, Jeetega India' in different languages."

 

Coordination Committee and Election Strategy Committee of I.N.D.I.A alliance
 
1. Sh. KC Venugopal, INC
2. Sh. Sharad Pawar, NCP
3. Sh. TR Baalu, DMK
4. Sh. Hemant Soren, JMM
5. Sh. Sanjay Raut, SS
6. Sh. Tejasvi Yadav, RJD
7. Sh. Abhishek Banerjee, TMC
8. Sh. Raghav Chaddha, AAP
9. Sh. Javed Ali Khan, SP
10. Sh. Lallan Singh, JD(U)
11. Sh. D Raja, CPI
12. Sh. Omar Abdullah, NC
13. Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, PDP
14. CPI-M to give name later
 
Campaign Committee, INDIA
 
1. Sh. Gurdeep Singh Sappal, INC
2. Sh. Sanjay Jha, JD(U)
3. Sh. Anil Desai, SS
4. Sh. Sanjay Yadav, RJD
5. Sh. PC Chako, NCP
6. Sh.. Champai Soren, JMM
7. Sh. Kiranmoy Nanda, SP
8. Sh. Sanjay Singh, AAP
9. Sh. Arun Kumar, CPI(M)
10. Sh. Binoy Vishwam, CPI
11. Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, NC
12. Sh. Shahid Siddiqui, RLD
13. Sh. NK Premachandran, RSP
14. Sh. G. Devarajan, AIFB
15. Sh. Ravi Rai, CPI(ML)
16. Sh. Thirumavalan, VCK
17. Sh. KM Kadar Moidin, IUML
18. Sh. Jose K. Mani, KC(M)
19. TMC (to give name later)
 
Working Group for Social Media
 
1. Ms. Supriya Srinate, INC
2. Sh. Sumit Sharma, RJD
3. Sh. Ashish Yadav, SP
4. Sh. Rajeev Nigam, SP
5. Sh. Raghav Chaddha, AAP
6. Ms. Avindani, JMM
7. Ms. Iltija Mehbooba, PDP
8. Sh. Pranjal, CPM
9. Dr. Bhalchandran Kango, CPI
10. Ms. Ifra Ja, NC
11. Sh. V Arun Kumar, CPI(ML)
12. TMC (to give name later)
 
Working Group for Media
 
1. Sh. Jairam Ramesh, INC
2. Sh. Manoj Jha, RJD
3. Sh. Arvind Sawant, SS
4. Sh. Jitendra Ahwad, NCP
5. Sh. Raghav Chaddha, AAP
6. Sh. Rajiv Ranjan, JD(U)
7. Sh. Pranjal, CPM
8. Sh. Ashish Yadav, SP
9. Sh. Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM
10. Sh. Alok Kumar, JMM
11. Sh. Manish Kumar, JD(U)
12. Sh. Rajeev Nigam, SP
13. Dr. Bhalchandran Kango, CPI
14. Sh. Tanvir Sadiq, NC
15. Sh. Prashant Kannojia
16. Sh. Naren Chatterjee, AIFB
17. Ms. Sucheta De, CPI(ML)
18. Sh. Mohit Bhan, PDP
19. TMC (to give name later)
 
Working Group for Research
 
1. Sh. Amitabh Dubey, INC
2. Prof. Subodh Mehta, RJD
3. Ms. Priyanka Chaturvedi, SS
4. Ms. Vandana Chavan, NCP
5. Sh. KC Tyagi, JD(U)
6. Sh. Sudivya Kumar Sonu, JMM
7. Ms. Jasmine Shah, AAP
8. Sh. Alok Ranjan, SP
9. Sh. Imran Nabi Dar, NC
10. Ad. Aditya, PDP
11. TMC (to give name later)

 

Addressing the media, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray attacked the Modi government saying, "We will not allow 'mitra-parivarvad' anymore." 

 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that the Opposition alliance has passed some important resolutions during the meeting. "I.N.D.I.A alliance Coordination Committee - a 14-member committee - has been structured. Four main committees have been formed. Members of all the political parties have been included in those committees," he added. He also announced names of the 14-member coordination committee -- KC Venugopal (INC), Sharad Pawar (NCP), TR Baalu (DMK), Hemant Soren (JMM), Sanjay Raut (SS-UBT), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Raghav Chadha (AAP), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Lalan Singh (JDU), D Raja (CPI), Omar Abdullah (NC), Mehbooba Mufti (PDP). One more member from CPI(M) to also be announced. 

Seat sharing to be finalised by September 30 by INDIA bloc coordination committee: Sources.

 

 

DMK president MK Stalin, while addressing the third meeting of the I.N.D.I.A Alliance in Mumbai today underscored the importance of evolving a common minimum programme and forming a coordination committee for the INDIA alliance; the common minimum programme should be the face of the I.N.D.I.A alliance and this statement should explain how the BJP has ruined the country in many ways and how I.N.D.I.A intends to set right the wrongs of the BJP government.

The meeting of I.N.D.I.A bloc Opposition parties culminated in Mumbai. 

(Reports: Dinesh Mourya)

Resolution of I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) parties to jointly contest the forthcoming elections to the Lok Sabha. "We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections together as far as possible. Seat-sharing arrangements in different states will be initiated immediately and concluded at the earliest in a collaborative spirit of give-and-take. We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to organize public rallies at the earliest in different parts of the country on issues of public concern and importance. We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to coordinate our respective communications and media strategies and campaigns with the theme Judega Bharat, Jiteega India in different languages."

I.N.D.I.A bloc announces coordination committee, Raghav Chadha and Abhishek Banerjee included in the list.

(REPORT: VIJAI LAXMI)

In the backdrop of the government forming a panel to explore the possibility of "one nation, one election", Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said no matter how many diversions and distractions the ruling regime throws at the people, they shall not be betrayed anymore. He asserted that the countdown of this "autocratic government's exit has begun". The government has constituted a committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind to explore the feasibility of "one nation, one election", opening the possibility of Lok Sabha polls being advanced so that they could be held with a string of state assembly contests. Tagging a group photograph of the INDIA alliance leaders meeting here to finalise a roadmap for taking on the NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Kharge, in a post on X, said, "Judega Bharat, Jeetega INDIA. We are united for a progressive, welfare-oriented, inclusive India." "No matter how many diversions and distractions, the ruling regime throws at the people, the citizens of India shall not be betrayed anymore," he said without referring to the formation of the committee. "140 Cr Indians have decided to usher change. The countdown of this autocratic government's exit has begun," Kharge said. 

Here is what Mallikarjun Kharge said in today's meeting:

• BJP wants complete control over agencies
• Our strength makes govt 'nervous', which is why it further bulldozed key bills in Parliament, suspended our MPs
• 'Communal poison' that BJP, RSS have spread over 9 years is now seen in hate crimes against train passengers, school children
• We should be prepared for more attacks in coming months, more raids, arrests due to this govt's 'vendetta politics'

As I.N.D.I.A alliance gains ground, the BJP govt will 'misuse' agencies against our leaders: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge at meeting of opposition leaders.

 

We, the I.N.D.I.A parties congratulate the entire ISRO family- present and past- for its outstanding achievements which have made our country proud. It has taken six decades to build, expand and deepen ISRO's capacities and capabilities. Chandrayaan-3 has thrilled the world, which is looking eagerly to the launch of Aditya-L1 tomorrow. We hope that the extraordinary accomplishments of ISRO strengthen the spirit of scientific temper in our society and give our youth the inspiration to excel in fields of scientific endeavour.

(Report: Dinesh Mourya) 

 

Amid speculation of early polls and formation of a panel to explore the possibility of 'one nation, one election', top leaders of the Opposition bloc INDIA today initiated crucial discussions to give structure to their cooperation and crystallise their plans about seat sharing and a common agenda to take on the NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. During the formal talks in the third round of opposition meeting, the opposition leaders are likely to come out with a joint statement and announce the coordination panel besides some sub-panels to give proper shape to their poll plans.

• Seat sharing will be on the top agenda 
• Discussion on the framework of the coordination committee and sub-committee 
• Discussion on the framework of joint rallies 
• Discussion on convenor and chairperson likely to be made today 
• A committee on social media and data analysis matter 
• Discussion on party spokesperson 

(Report: Vijai Laxmi)

There will be no decision on logo unveiling today (September 1) in Mumbai.

(REPORT: VIJAI LAXMI)

The photo session of Opposition leaders will take place at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai where the two-day INDIA alliance meeting is being held.

All the ministers will reach at meeting venue (Hotel Hyatt Regency) by 9:00 am today (September 1). 

(Report: Namrata Dubey)

 

Samajwadi Party and Aam Aadmi Party raised the issue of seat sharing in the informal meeting of I.N.D.I.A. They also allegedly demanded for early seat sharing in view of early elections.

 

Report: Vijai Laxmi 

 

Leaders of the INDIA bloc met informally and were understood to have deliberated on fixing agenda of the formal meeting on Friday when key decisions about the alliance's future strategy would be taken. "The meeting was good. You will know the details tomorrow," Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray told reporters.

The third informal meeting of the Opposition alliance has concluded in Mumbai. The bloc will again meet tomorrow for a formal meeting. 

The meeting of the I.N.D.I.A alliance is underway in Mumbai. 

 

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, MP Rahul Gandhi and general secretary KC Venugopal reached at the venue of the INDIA alliance meeting in Mumbai. "Let them bring it, the fight will continue," says Mallikarjun Kharge when asked about the Special Session of Parliament. 

 

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav along with Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and General Secretary of Communist Party of India D Raja and Tejashwi Yadav at INDIA alliance meeting venue in Mumbai.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Bihar Minister Sanjay Kumar Jha arrived in Mumbai for the meeting of the I.N.D.I.A alliance.

Leaders of the Opposition's INDIA alliance on Thursday said they have come together to save the Constitution and democracy in the country, and would evolve a common program as they prepare to take on the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav said the need of the hour is to strengthen the unity and sovereignty of the country and protect the Constitution and democracy. "The Modi government has failed to address the issues of poverty, unemployment and welfare of farmers. At the INDIA alliance meeting, we will work on evolving a common programme. We have to contest elections one-on-one (put up common candidates against the BJP)," the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader said.

Yadav's son and deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav said the Maha Gatbandhan came to power in Bihar last August and Lalu Prasad Yadav and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar decided to work on getting all like-minded parties on board for a larger Opposition alliance.

TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the venue of I.N.D.I.A alliance meeting in Mumbai.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is holding a press conference in Mumbai ahead of the Opposition's meeting. He is speaking on the Adani issue. 

NCP president Sharad Pawar arrived at the hotel in Mumbai for the meeting of the I.N.D.I.A alliance.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray arrived at the hotel in Mumbai for the meeting of the I.N.D.I.A alliance.

Badruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has decided to extend its support to the Opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A alliance. "It is very important to support the I.N.D.I.A bloc to remove the Bharatiya Janata Party," Lok Sabha MP Ajmal said. 

The Shiv Sena (UBT) said the message from the meeting of the Opposition bloc INDIA in Mumbai is that it is ready to make today's India, which has "bent its knee before China", win. In an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana', the Uddhav Thackeray-led party also sought to link the Centre's recent decision to slash LPG cylinder prices to the rising influence of the opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A. "The I.N.D.I.A alliance is taking solid steps to overthrow the reign of fear in the country. The I.N.D.I.A alliance is ready to make today's India, which has bent its knee before China, win," the editorial said.

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge reached Mumbai to attend the meeting. As many as 63 representatives from 28 political parties will attend the meeting of the Opposition alliance at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai.

 

 

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar left for Mumbai to attend the meeting. Earlier on August 27, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that a few more political parties were likely to join the Opposition bloc during its upcoming meeting.

According to sources, Opposition leaders are likely to decide tomorrow's agenda in today's meeting. They will also decide whether to discuss about alliance's convener or not. If there is consensus on it, it will be brought up in tomorrow's agenda, the sources added. They further said that the alliance is likely to launch its logo tomorrow (September 1).  

Report: Vijai Laxmi 

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi arrived in Mumbai to attend the meeting of the Opposition bloc. The INDIA bloc's first meeting was held in Patna in June, while the second one took place in Bengaluru in mid-July. The Bengaluru conclave had finalised the name of the bloc - Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Congress supporters gathered outside Mumbai airport to welcome party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. They will attend the third meeting of the Opposition bloc.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal left Delhi airport to attend the meeting of the Opposition bloc in Mumbai. 

Shiromani Akali Dal senior leader Prem Singh Chandumajra reiterated that his party will neither join hands with the Opposition bloc, INDIA nor with the NDA. He said his party would never forge alliances with the parties that do not support 'federalism'. "Shiromani Akali Dal had made it clear from the very first day that we are neither with the NDA nor with the INDIA Alliance; we are not with any such alliance that does not support federalism. The INDIA alliance shows that all parties are coming together to save one family," he said.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and MP, Sanjay Raut, said on Monday that even China will step back from the border after seeing the way with which I.N.D.I.A alliance has been moving forward. "As the opposition's INDIA alliance advances, seeing our power, China will start stepping back from borders," said MP Sanjay Raut.

RLD national president Jayant Chaudhary arrives in Mumbai to attend the third meeting of the Opposition bloc, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). He said, "Like-minded opposition parties will work together to take the country forward. INDIA bloc will be expanded and more parties will join us in the coming time..."

 

The third meeting of the I.N.D.I.A alliance will be held in Maharashtra's Mumbai on August 31 and September 1 (September 1). The meeting will discuss the alliance strategies for the Lok Sabha election and seat sharing in the states. A new logo for the I.N.D.I.A alliance is also likely to be launched. A total of 27 parties are likely to participate in the third meeting of the newly formed opposition alliance in Mumbai. 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will leave for Mumbai at around 2:00 pm. on Thursday to attend the third meeting of the INDIA opposition alliance. Nitish Kumar will be accompanied by JD-U national president Lalan Singh and state minister Sanjay Kumar Jha. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav are already in Mumbai since the last two days for the meeting. During the third two-day meeting which will begin on Thursday, the selection of a president, convener and other posts will be decided. Sources have said that Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge will be given the charge of president post while Nitish Kumar will be appointed as national convener of INDIA. Besides them, 11 regional conveners will also be appointed. Other agendas, including a seat-sharing formula, will be discussed on Friday.

Ahead of the third meeting of the INDIA alliance, CPI General Secretary D Raja today said that the primary objective of the INDIA alliance, a coalition of opposition parties, is to fight collectively and defeat the BJP in order to save the nation, the Constitution, democracy, secularism, and federalism.  D Raja said, "The country is in great trouble and is facing multiple crises, and the country has to be liberated from the clutches of the BJP-RSS."

Adding further, he said that the INDIA alliance is confident that the BJP government will be removed from power in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election. “CPI General Secretary D Raja says, "The primary objective of the INDIA alliance is to fight collectively and defeat the BJP in order to save the nation, save the Constitution, save democracy, and save secularism and federalism. And the country is in great trouble. The country is in multiple crises, and the country has to be liberated from the clutches of the BJP-RSS combined. That is the primary objective of the opposition coming together. We are confident that the BJP will be removed from power,” he said.