Opposition Unity Meeting In Bengaluru: Parties To Strategise On Common Agenda And Name For Anti-BJP Alliance

During the Opposition unity meeting being held in Bengaluru today (18 July), discussions will reportedly revolve around giving the proposed anti-BJP grouping a name, structure, and a common agenda and campaign programme.

Additionally, the Opposition parties participating in the meeting will work towards determining a roadmap for seat-sharing.

Ahead of the meeting, which is expected to be attended by 26 parties, key Opposition leaders engaged in informal talks and attended a dinner hosted by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday.

While the Congress indicated that seat-sharing would require more time, there was a difference of opinion between the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) regarding whether the grouping should have a name.

The TMC was in favour of having a name, while the CPI(M) was not, The Indian Express reported citing sources.

The agenda for Tuesday's meeting was presented by Kharge, who invited parties to provide their suggestions during the discussions.

The agenda broadly includes six proposals: establishing separate subcommittees for drafting a common agenda and communication points for the alliance for the 2024 general elections; devising a joint program for parties, including rallies, conventions, and agitations; determining seat-sharing on a state-by-state basis; suggesting a name for the alliance; establishing a common secretariat; and discussing EVMs while suggesting reforms to the Election Commission.

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of CPI(M), has reportedly indicated one of the differences that is set to arise, by ruling out the possibility of an alliance with the TMC in West Bengal.

He suggests that secular parties like the Left and Congress will confront both the BJP and the TMC in the state, aiming to minimise the division of Opposition votes.

The Left leaders, however, support the idea of a common programme and a political campaign centered around safeguarding democracy, the Constitution, and secularism.

They also emphasised the need for a mass action campaign on livelihood issues such as price rise and unemployment.

The TMC reportedly prefers this to be framed as an identification of common issues and talking points, rather than using the term "common minimum programme," which is commonly used by the Left.

During the meeting, RSP's N K Premachandran proposed that parties adopt a resolution on Manipur. However, it was decided that this issue could be discussed at the meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

Attendees at the informal talks and dinner included senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief M K Stalin, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD's Lalu Prasad, and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.