INDIA bloc to meet on Jan 13; discuss seat sharing, convenor

New Delhi: The key figures from the opposition INDIA bloc's parties will convene on January 13 to discuss strengthening the alliance, formulating a plan for seat-sharing, and determining whether to choose a convenor for the bloc, according to reports on Friday.

Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress, will not participate in the virtual meeting on Saturday morning since she has previous commitments, they added.

The sources said that discussions would be held on appointing a convenor of the opposition alliance. They added that the JDU wants Nitish Kumar as the convenor which is being opposed by the TMC, PTI reported.

This is the second such attempt to hold a virtual meeting as the previous attempt a few days ago did not materialise, the sources added.

A TMC source said the party was informed about the meeting on Friday evening, and the West Bengal chief minister has some pre-scheduled appointments due to which she may not attend.

The TMC had also offered that the meeting could be held next week.

The source added that the party remains committed to the INDIA bloc and defeating the BJP.

As many as 28 opposition parties have come together under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to take on the BJP and defeat it in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

However, there are many issues that are yet to be resolved within the alliance, including that of appointing a convenor.

Seat-sharing talks with members of the opposition bloc have also not been fruitful so far due to claims and counter-claims on the seats.

The sources said the leaders of the various parties would be meeting to iron out these differences and strengthen the bloc further.