In A Show Of Strength, 24 Parties To Attend 2nd Opposition Unity Meet In Bengaluru

Top leaders of at least 24 political parties will be attending a meeting in Bengaluru on July 17-18 to discuss a united front against the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The meeting is being convened by the Congress and is expected to be attended by leaders of the TMC, NCP, RJD, SP, CPI(M), CPI, IUML, and other parties.

Eight new parties have also extended their support to the Opposition parties' efforts to present a united front against the BJP.

Among the new political parties joining the meeting are Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Kongu Desa Makkal Katchi (KDMK), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), All India Forward Bloc, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Kerala Congress (Joseph), and Kerala Congress (Mani). Notably, KDMK and MDMK were former allies of the BJP during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

According to reports, Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, will also be present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, has invited top opposition leaders to participate in the upcoming unity meeting. In his invitation letter, Kharge reminded the leaders of their participation in the previous meeting held on June 23 in Patna, called by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He emphasized the importance of continuing the discussions and finding solutions to the challenges faced by the country.

The meeting in Bengaluru will commence on July 17 at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner, and will continue on July 18, 2023, from 11:00 am onwards.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad has also confirmed his attendance at the opposition parties' meeting in Bengaluru.

The first Opposition Unity meeting, attended by more than 15 parties, took place in Patna on June 23 and was convened by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Prominent leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee, and M K Stalin were among those present at the meeting.