Sharad Pawar assures resolution of differences among INDIA bloc allies in UP, Bengal

Sharad Pawar/ File Pic

Rajya Sabha member and NCP chief Sharad Pawar addressed divisions among various opposition parties within the INDIA bloc in specific states, emphasising the commitment to resolving these concerns before the next Lok Sabha elections.

Pawar told reporters in Kolhapur that, while the INDIA alliance has not met recently, attempts were being made to resolve issues raised by various coalition parties. He emphasised opposition parties' decision to work to defeat the ruling BJP in the upcoming elections, reported PTI.

He was quoted in the PTI report saying, "A decision was taken earlier that all the parties of the opposition bloc will work together."

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"But the majority of the parties in the alliance are limited to their states, so it was decided that all these parties will sit with other allied parties in their respective states and that process is going on," he added.

The report further stated that recognising the existence of disagreements, particularly in areas like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, Pawar emphasised the difficulty of achieving an agreement on seat-sharing arrangements. In Uttar Pradesh, the lack of a shared understanding of the seat-sharing mechanism creates a stumbling block, while in West Bengal, historical rivalry between parties such as the TMC, CPI(M), and Congress exacerbates the situation.

"In Uttar Pradesh, there is an absence of a common understanding over the seat-sharing formula. The other state is West Bengal, where there are some more problems, and the reason is that some parties such as the TMC, CPI(M) and Congress are traditionally opposed to each other," he told PTI.

Pawar said the senior leaders, particularly those from outside the individual states, will be engaging in dialogue and resolve these concerns. He emphasised that efforts were being made to address concerns and commence negotiations to reach a consensus, particularly in states where disagreements among alliance partners remained.

"Our strategy is that wherever it is possible, we are addressing the issues, and wherever there are differences, like the states I have mentioned, senior leaders, especially from outside that state, sit and address these issues and that process will start soon," the seasoned politician was quoted as saying.