In a surprising turn of events, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has proposed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the INDIA bloc during an ongoing meeting of the opposition. Despite Banerjee’s earlier declaration of postponing the decision until after the Lok Sabha elections, sources reveal a unanimous applause from twelve participating parties, including unexpected support from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Kharge, a prominent Dalit figure in the opposition, received widespread approval, offering the possibility of India’s first Dalit Prime Minister. However, he modestly declined the proposal, emphasizing the need to focus on winning elections and securing a majority before discussing the Prime Minister’s position.
The proposal marks a strategic move by the opposition, countering sharp criticism from the ruling BJP regarding their alleged bias against Dalits and tribals. Kharge’s wide approval is seen as a testament to his stature among opposition parties and, concurrently, as a subtle snub to Rahul Gandhi, whose candidature has historically divided the opposition.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Kharge assured that the contentious issue of seat-sharing would be handled at the state level. The deadline for seat-sharing talks has been set for December 31, as revealed by sources from the Trinamool Congress and several other participating parties.
With 28 parties participating in today’s mega meet of the INDIA bloc, Kharge announced plans for multiple meets across various cities to raise awareness among the people. This move is anticipated to strengthen the opposition’s position in the upcoming elections.
Despite the proposal’s rejection, Kharge’s prominence in the discussions highlights his significance in the opposition’s strategy. The unfolding dynamics within the opposition, coupled with the upcoming seat-sharing talks, add an intriguing layer to the political landscape as the nation approaches the 2024 polls.
This unexpected turn of events adds a layer of complexity to the opposition’s strategy, setting the stage for a dynamic and closely watched political scenario in the lead-up to the elections.