INDIA bloc meeting: The leaders of the INDIA bloc are set to convene for their next meeting on December 19 in the national capital, according to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. The upcoming gathering holds significance, addressing key issues such as seat sharing for the impending Lok Sabha polls, just four months away.Delayed December 6 Meeting and Key AbsencesInitially scheduled for December 6, the meeting was called off as crucial opposition leaders, including Nitish Kumar, Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, and Akhilesh Yadav, did not confirm their attendance. Nitish Kumar cited illness, expressing his desire for progress in the alliances future plans.Leaders Statements on AbsenceNitish Kumar clarified that his absence was due to illness and emphasised the need for the alliance to strategise for the future. Hemant Soren, Jharkhand Chief Minister, mentioned his unavailability due to prior commitments, while Mamata Banerjee stated that she was not informed about the meeting. MK Stalin was engaged in managing the cyclone situation in Tamil Nadu.Agenda for the Upcoming MeetingWith the Lok Sabha polls looming, seat-sharing arrangements are expected to dominate the agenda for the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting. The discussions become particularly crucial for the Congress, given recent losses in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls.Background on INDIA BlocThe INDIA bloc, short for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, is a coalition of opposition parties, including the Congress. Formed to counter the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by PM Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the alliance aims to thwart the BJPs bid for a third consecutive term in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.Previous Meetings and Adopted ResolutionsPrevious INDIA bloc meetings were held in Patna, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, where resolutions were adopted to collectively contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The chosen theme for the elections is Judega Bharat, Jeetega India (India will unite, India will win) as the opposition prepares to challenge the ruling BJP-led government.
