Mumbai, Aug 30: Setting the tone for the two-day INDIA Conclave starting here on Thursday, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar said on Wednesday that “the people of the country want a change”, for which the Opposition leaders are gathering here.
As many as 63 representatives from 28 political parties will attend the third meeting of INDIA alliance meet on August 31 and September 1, NCP president Sharad Pawar said on Wednesday. Speaking at a joint media briefing, Pawar hinted at the possibility of discussing the prickly issue of seat-sharing for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by the national Opposition parties. The NCP chief said that the first two INDIA alliance meetings were very critical and now the joint strategy of the Opposition bloc to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to be discussed over the next two days during the conclave..
He said a panel comprising some senior leaders may be formed and given the task of discussing the seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls at the state and local levels.
To a question on the allegations recently hurled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at various national Opposition leaders, Pawar dared the Centre that “if they have the courage, they should investigate the cases and bring out the facts” instead of just making such accusations.
On the likely stance of BSP supremo Mayawati, who is reportedly toying with the idea of joining INDIA, Pawar said it remains to be seen, as “she is also having discussions with the BJP”.
On INDIA alliance PM face, Thackeray said, “We have many choices for PM candidates. But what choice does BJP have, except one.” To a query on the issue of who will be INDIA convenor, Thackeray asked, “who is NDA convenor “.
Former CM and senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan said in 2019, non-BJP parties got 23 crore votes, while BJP got 22 crore. “If we work together, we can win,” he added. (Agencies)
