PM face, seat sharing, and EVMs: Key takeaways from INDIA bloc's meeting in Delhi

After the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory in three states and ahead of the 2024 General Elections, the fourth INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc meeting was convened on Tuesday, December 19 in Delhi.

The Opposition alliance meeting, which witnessed a few minor developments less than four months before the election, also saw the early exits of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, as reported by India Today.

What did they discuss?

PM face

• According to India Today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge's name, a suggestion that was seconded by Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal.
• However, the Bihar-based Mahagathbandhan allies, RJD and JD(U), have demanded Nitish Kumar as the Opposition’s Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
• Kharge, brushed aside the speculations to his name, saying, "We have to win first and think about what to do to win. What is the point of discussing the PM before having MPs? We will try to get a majority together.”

Resolution on EVMs

• Another development was the adoption of a resolution doubtful of the electronic voting machines (EVMs).

• The resolution also added that the voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips should be handed over to the voters.

No consensus on the agenda

• Adding to the turmoil over the prime ministerial candidate, the opposition alliance failed to reach a consensus during the meeting.
• According to sources, the discussion also revolved around the BJP's political narrative following the inauguration of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya on January 22.

Seat-sharing

• The INDIA bloc meeting saw suggestions to finalise seat-sharing by December 31, reported India Today.
• However, a consensus on the name of a Convenor was not reached.
• India Today, citing sources, reported the Trinamool Congress (TMC) proposed that Congress should take on BJP and contest on around 300 seats.
• According to sources, the Samajwadi Party might not be okay with the Bahujan Samajwadi Party coming into the INDIA fold.

By the evening, the focus of the meeting shifted towards joint opposition protests on December 22 against the suspension of Opposition MPs during the Winter session of Parliament.