Opposition Bloc I.N.D.I.A Unites Against Authoritarianism: Resolution on EVMs and MP Suspensions
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| INDIA bloc leaders held a crucial meeting in Delhi on December 19 |
In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the I.N.D.I.A bloc, comprising various opposition parties, convened its fourth meeting in New Delhi. The meeting addressed critical issues such as Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the suspension of 142 Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The bloc strongly condemned the suspension, asserting that the MPs were raising a legitimate demand for a statement from the Home Minister regarding a security breach in the Lok Sabha on December 13th.
Authoritarianism Criticized:
In a joint statement, I.N.D.I.A parties expressed their strongest condemnation of the Modi Government's refusal to address the MPs' demands within Parliament. The parties accused the government of arrogance and criticized Prime Minister Modi and the Home Minister for choosing to speak to the media instead of addressing the Parliament during its session. The statement underscored the perceived assault on democracy and an attack on the Constitution, vowing to combat authoritarianism with full determination.
Democratic Values Under Threat:
The I.N.D.I.A parties emphasized the need to protect democratic values and the constitutional framework. The statement highlighted the government's dismissive approach to the MPs' concerns and its failure to engage in a constructive dialogue, raising concerns about the health of India's democratic institutions.
Focus on Seat Sharing:
Addressing the media after the meeting, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge outlined the bloc's strategy moving forward. He emphasized that I.N.D.I.A parties would focus on seat-sharing talks at the state level and conduct public meetings across the country. Kharge stressed that decisions regarding the prime ministerial candidate would be deferred until after the elections.
Unity Across States:
Kharge mentioned that the opposition bloc would conduct 8-10 joint meetings across the country to showcase unity among its members. He asserted that resolving seat-sharing issues would be a priority at the state level, ensuring a cohesive approach in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab.
No Decision on PM Face Yet:
When questioned about the prime ministerial candidate, Kharge stated that the focus should be on winning the elections first. He emphasized the need to secure a majority before deliberating on the candidate for the prime minister's position. During the meeting, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal proposed Kharge's name as a potential prime ministerial candidate, signaling the alliance's collaborative decision-making process.
