In a significant development, the leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, consisting of 28 opposition parties, have proposed Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress chief, as the prime ministerial candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The announcement came after a crucial meeting held in the national capital on Tuesday, where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the first to propose Mallikarjun Kharge’s name as the face of the alliance. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also backed the proposal, emphasizing Mallikarjun Kharge’s stature as a leader with over 50 years of political experience.
Speaking to reporters, Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence in Mallikarjun Kharge’s leadership, stating, “Everyone was asking us who is the face of the alliance. We have no objection to this, and we are happy that Kharge will be the face of the alliance.”
Other leaders from various alliance partners echoed their support for Kharge, citing his long and illustrious political career. Rajya Sabha member from AAP, Raghav Chadha, praised Mallikarjun Kharge as a “tall leader” and a “social reformer,” while CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP, Bikash Ranjan, highlighted the acceptance for Kharge across the country.
However, Mallikarjun Kharge himself played down the suggestions about being the prime ministerial candidate, emphasizing the priority of winning the elections collectively. “First, all of us have to win. If there are fewer MPs, what is the point of talking about the PM? First, to increase our numbers, (by) coming together, we will try to bring the majority. First, we will have to win,” Kharge stated after the INDIA meeting.
The INDIA bloc, formed to challenge the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, has been holding meetings since June. The theme chosen by the alliance for the elections is “Judega Bharat, Jeetega India” (India will unite, India will win).
Seat-sharing talks among INDIA partners are set to begin, with Congress leader KC Venugopal announcing proposals for “joint rallies.” The alliance aims to present a united front against the ruling BJP-led government, seeking to prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in 2024.
The political landscape is now abuzz with anticipation as the opposition gears up for the upcoming elections, with Mallikarjun Kharge potentially emerging as the face of the INDIA alliance.
