INDIA bloc meet: Mamata proposes Congress chief Kharge as PM face, he declines

During a crucial meeting of the INDIA bloc in Delhi, West Bengal chief minister reportedly proposed the name of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as the opposition amalgam's Prime Ministerial face.

NDTV reported quoting sources that the Congress chief politiely declined the offer. Kharge said the opposition will first unite to bring majority, even as he neither confirmed nor denied about the proposal.

On December 17, the Trinamool Congress chief had told the media that INDIA bloc will decide on the Prime Minister face after the 2024 election results.

A crucial meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc began in the national capital on Tuesday where top leaders were discussing the way forward, including seat-sharing, for taking on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The issue of suspension of 141 opposition MPs in both Houses of Parliament came up at the meeting with leaders cutting across party lines condemning the action against the members.

"The leaders asserted that they will continue to fight against the tyranny of this government," a source said.

Harping on putting up a united front, the Congress alleged that democracy is being "mercilessly murdered" and MPs who raise people's issues are suspended from the House.

"In such an adverse situation, our unity is our strength," the party posted on X after the meeting began.

The opposition leaders deliberated on a blueprint for a joint campaign, seat-sharing arrangement and redrawing their strategy after the Congress suffered a setback in the recent assembly polls, where BJP won in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Evolving a "core positive agenda" will also be among the main challenges before the INDIA bloc.

Sharing a video on X, the Congress said senior leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former party chief Rahul Gandhi were present at the meeting of INDIA alliance in Delhi.

"Today democracy is being mercilessly murdered by the Modi government. Representatives who raise public voice are suspended from the House. In such an adverse situation, our unity is our strength and this resolve to protect democracy is our energy," the party said in a post on X.