West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, presented the name of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as a possible prime ministerial candidate for the opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A. This revelation surfaced after a meeting among the group’s leaders, as shared by MDMK leader Vaiko.
Kharge, a veteran Congress leader, responded to the proposition by emphasizing the significance of winning first, with the assurance that decisions on other matters could follow later. Despite Vaiko stating that Banerjee and Kejriwal proposed Kharge’s name, some leaders, under the guise of anonymity, indicated that no conclusive decision was reached during the meeting.
Addressing the gathering of 28 opposition leaders, Kharge expressed his dedication to working for the downtrodden. He underscored the need to secure victory and obtain a majority before democratically deciding on the prime ministerial candidate for the opposition alliance.
Also read: Unprecedented Suspension of 79 MPs Escalates Tensions Amidst Security Breach Fallout
Banerjee, upon her arrival in the national capital, emphasized the democratic nature of the alliance, acknowledging the diversity of states, views, and opinions within I.N.D.I.A. While underscoring the unity of purpose in fighting together, she highlighted the contrasting approach of the BJP, stating that the NDA is no more.
According to Banerjee, the decision on the alliance’s prime ministerial candidate will be deferred until after the elections. Emphasizing the collaborative effort of multiple political parties within the democracy, she affirmed that the post-election period would be apt for announcing the candidate.
Banerjee urged a focus on prioritizing the well-being of the people and the country, criticizing the current state of affairs as autocracy, which she believed was not in line with the desires of the populace. The TMC chief envisioned a post-election scenario where all participating parties would collectively decide on the best course of action for the nation.
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, commonly known by its backronym I.N.D.I.A., is an opposition front announced by the leaders of 28 parties to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The name was proposed during a meeting in Bengaluru and was unanimously adopted by the 28 participating parties.