I.N.D.I.A. chooses Kharge as leader

New Delhi: After intense deliberations, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was chosen as the chairperson of the Opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A. on Saturday.

Leaders of the bloc met virtually and discussed various aspects of the alliance and the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to this newspaper, the CPI secretary general D. Raja said, “Several constituents of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc attended the meeting. Kharge was chosen as the chairperson. The discussion was also held on seat sharing, which will soon be confirmed."

Meanwhile, JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have turned down the offer to take up the key position of convener of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc.

A JD(U) leader disclosed that while the proposal to appoint Kumar as convener received unanimous support, he declined the offer and proposed that a credible face from the Congress should assume the key post.

"The offer was made, but Kumar suggested that a credible leader from the Congress should take responsibility for the key position," JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha told reporters in Patna after the meeting. Several JD(U) leaders in Patna also highlighted Kumar's past remarks, in which he had expressed "no desire for any post" and emphasised the need for unity among the I.N.D.I.A. bloc in facing the BJP at the Centre. According to sources, the seat-sharing deal among the Mahagathbandhan partners in Bihar is likely to be announced after the Makar Sankranti festival. Today's meeting was attended by representatives from all parties, except for the Trinamul Congress and the Samajwadi Party.

During the meeting, Kharge said, "Everyone is happy that the seat-sharing talks are progressing in a positive way. I, along with Rahul Gandhi, invited all I.N.D.I.A. bloc  parties to join the "Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra". After the meeting, NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar talked to the media.

Pawar said, "We don't think there is any need to project a face, and we should ask for votes in its name (I.N.D.I.A.). We believe we can give the country an alternative."

He further added, "Some leaders suggested that Kharge should be the leader of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. Many agreed to the same. Also, it was suggested that the Bihar Chief Minister should become the convener of the Opposition bloc. However, Kumar refused, saying for now it is not needed."