Mallikarjun Kharge: INDIA bloc to hold nationwide protest on Dec 22

Following the fourth meeting of the INDIA alliance on Tuesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced plans for a nationwide protest on December 22 against the suspension of 141 MPs. The suspension occurred after disruptions related to the Opposition’s demand for a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach incident.

Kharge expressed opposition to the suspension, stating that it is undemocratic, and emphasized the alliance’s commitment to fighting for democracy. He mentioned that the issue of the security breach in Parliament has been repeatedly raised, with a demand for Shah or Prime Minister Modi to address the matter in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, a request that has been denied.

The fourth meeting of the ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc took place in the national capital. The alliance, led by the Congress, was formed to present a united front against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming general elections in 2024.

The INDIA bloc, comprising 28 parties, aims to challenge the NDA and prevent it from securing a third consecutive term in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The alliance previously held meetings in Patna, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, where resolutions were adopted to collectively contest the 2024 elections, with seat-sharing arrangements to be finalized through negotiation.

The chosen theme for the elections by the INDIA bloc is “Judega Bharat, Jeetega India” (India will unite, India will win) as they seek to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. The nationwide protest on December 22 is part of their efforts to voice opposition to the suspension of MPs and assert their commitment to democratic principles.