In a noteworthy development, Nitish Kumar, the Chief Executive of Bihar, gracefully turned down the proposition to assume the role of I.N.D.I.A. bloc convenor, as per insights shared with ABP News by a reliable source. JDU luminary Sanjay Kumar Jha, articulating his stance on Saturday, conveyed Nitish Kumar’s preference for the convenorship to originate from the Congress party. In the interim, per reports from PTI, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has been appointed as the chairperson of the opposing I.N.D.I.A. bloc. This pivotal decision emerged through unanimous accord during a virtual assembly of the foremost leaders of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc held on Saturday.
The resolution reached during the assembly will be relayed to Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee, who were notably absent from the proceedings.
According to the IANS news agency, Bihar Minister Sanjay Jha, a participant in the meeting, confirmed that a proposition was tabled for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to assume the role of convener for the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. Jha remarked, “Nevertheless, Nitish Kumar declined the proposition and extended the offer to the Congress. The Chief Minister displayed no inclination towards accepting the position,” as quoted by IANS.
The coalition, formed to counter the political force led by Narendra Modi’s BJP in the upcoming 2024 general election, encountered internal impediments on various fronts, including the contentious selection of a convener. While the JD(U) advocated for Nitish Kumar as the convener, the TMC vehemently opposed the suggestion, according to PTI.
On Saturday afternoon, leaders of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc convened virtually to deliberate on the seat-sharing agenda, participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, and other pivotal alliance matters.
Sharad Pawar, the head of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), actively participated in the conference of I.N.D.I.A. bloc leaders held in Mumbai through video conferencing.
MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of the DMK, along with party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, engaged in the meeting via video conference from Chennai.
According to PTI, the discussion on Saturday marked the second attempt at a virtual meeting, following the failure of the initial attempt a few days prior.
Beneath the overarching canopy of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), 28 opposition parties have united to combat the BJP and thwart its aspirations in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.