Political Showdown in Mumbai: INDIA alliance and NDA to hold parallel meetings on September 1

Leaders from 26 INDIA opposition alliance at a meeting in Bengaluru. Photo/PTI File

As the Lok Sabha elections approach early next year, a direct clash is brewing between the Opposition INDIA alliance and the ruling NDA. The stage is set for high-stakes encounters as both alliances have scheduled parallel meetings in Mumbai on September 1.

The INDIA alliance constituents are gearing up for a joint meeting on September 1 in Mumbai. Discussions will revolve around alliance strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, along with deliberations on seat sharing among states. Anticipation is building about the unveiling of a new logo for the INDIA alliance.

In tandem, the NDA alliance in Maharashtra, now including the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party faction as a new partner, is also slated to convene on the same date in Mumbai. NCP MP Sunil Tatkare, representing the Ajit Pawar faction, affirmed that the meeting would include all state government alliance partners: BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar).

Regarding the timing clash with the INDIA alliance meeting, Sunil Tatkare clarified, "Our meeting was planned long back before the last state assembly Monsoon session by our coordination committee, so it's no point to say that we are doing this as opposition parties are also having a meeting on the same day."

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan confirmed that approximately 26 to 27 opposition alliance parties are expected to attend the INDIA meeting.

"An informal gathering will be held on the evening of August 31 in Mumbai and a formal meeting on September 1. So far, two meetings have been organized. So in this third meeting, the next agenda will be discussed. We are deciding to make a common logo and it may get unveiled on August 31," revealed Ashok Chavan.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, speaking to reporters on Sunday, hinted at the alliance's expansion, suggesting that a few more regional parties could join hands with the INDIA alliance.

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"We will discuss the INDIA alliance's strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Mumbai. Seat sharing and other issues are also on our agenda for the meeting. A few more political parties will join our coalition. I want to unite the maximum number of parties before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I am working in that direction," Nitish Kumar stated.

Congress Leader PL Punia underscored that the selection of the Prime Ministerial candidate for the INDIA bloc would occur after victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"The INDIA alliance has decided that the Prime Minister will be decided after coming to power. The elected MPs will choose the PM," affirmed the Congress leader.(With inputs from Agencies)