Congress' Top Leaders' Unavailability Delays Opposition's First Joint Meeting In Patna, Now Likely On 23 June

The Opposition's first joint meeting planned for 12 June in Patna has been delayed as the Congress cannot send its top leaders due to prior commitments.

Congress preferred holding the meeting after 20 June to accommodate the presence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi, currently touring the US, reports The Indian Express.

However, Janata Dal (United) announced a 12 June rally after consulting with few opposition parties who considered it "convenient", without waiting for a consensus.

The 12 June schedule was reportedly not suitable for the DMK and the CPI(M) either, as per the report.

The JD(U) had announced the date without consulting the Congress, leading to speculations that Kharge might not attend and a party's Chief Minister may represent the party at the Patna meeting.

JD(U) has informed Opposition leaders that the conclave may be held on 23 June or after 20 June, according to sources.

The Congress had confirmed its attendance at the 12 June meeting but hadn't determined the extent of its presence.

Despite considering itself as the most prominent opposition party owing to its position as the largest among non-BJP parties, Congress has appointed Bihar CM Nitish Kumar as the leader responsible for coordinating the meeting for opposition unity. This is due to the reluctance of some opposition parties to accept the primacy of the grand old party.

Last week, Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a US tour, showing confidence in opposition unity ahead of 2024 general elections said: “The discussions are complicated because there are spaces where we are also competing with the Opposition. So a little bit of give and take is required, but I am confident that it will happen.”