Opposition Bloc I.N.D.I.A Set To Finalise Seat-Sharing By 30 September 

I.N.D.I.A, the opposition bloc, has set a deadline of 30 September to finalise the seat sharing. This decision was made during an informal meeting held on the first day of their two-day gathering, which began on Thursday (31 August).

It has been decided that the state committees of the parties will implement the alliance formula, as per a report by NDTV.

There are indications that the preferred formula for seat sharing will involve one-on-one contests. In other words, only one opposition candidate will be fielded against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on each seat.

This strategy aims to prevent the division of votes. The idea had already received support during previous opposition meetings in Patna and Bengaluru.

According to sources, most of the participants emphasised the need to conclude seat-sharing discussions as soon as possible. Many leaders expressed concerns about early elections. Additionally, there were suggestions to organise rallies in different states.

During the meeting, other topics on the agenda included selecting a logo for the alliance and establishing a coordination committee.

The alliance is also expected to discuss whether or not to appoint a convenor, as well as develop a joint action schedule for the 2024 elections.

Ahead of a dinner hosted by Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, an informal meeting was held to finalise the agenda for today's formal meeting.

Among the new parties that have joined the opposition bloc is the Peasants and Workers Party of India, a Marxist political party in Maharashtra.

Additionally, three northeast parties, namely Asom Jatiya Parishad, Rajor Dal, and Anchalik Gan Manch-Bhuyan, have expressed their interest in joining the bloc. The discussion regarding their inclusion will be held among the opposition members.

In Delhi yesterday (31 August), Y S Sharmila, the sister of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, had a meeting with Sonia Gandhi. Speculation suggests that she might merge her party, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Telangana Party, with the Congress. The details of their discussion have not been disclosed.

"Met Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Constructive discussions took place. The daughter of Y S Rajasekhar Reddy would relentlessly work towards benefiting Telangana people," she said.

There has been speculation that Sharmila has been getting closer to the Congress party. This speculation started when she met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in May, to congratulate him on the party's victory.

According to Congress's Milind Deora, the BJP was taken aback by the number of parties from various states coming together. He claimed that this unexpected unity among the parties has left the BJP feeling "rattled".

In response to the upcoming meeting of multiple parties in Mumbai, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra criticised the alliance, referring to it as the "Ghamandia Gathbandhan".

Patra accused the parties of being involved in scams and corruption worth Rs 20 lakh crore, claiming that their agenda is solely focused on maximising profits from corruption.