Sonia Gandhi Set To Play Key Role In Bengaluru Opposition Meet

Several key decisions are expected to be taken by the Opposition Parties in the two-day meeting in Bengaluru in the presence of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi is expected to play a central role in taking calls on key issues including seat-sharing with regional parties and common minimum programmes in view of 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Her presence at the two-day meet has come as a boost to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to effectively communicate the party's stance on various matters and take prompt decisions.

Having helmed the UPA for 15 years, she has the ability to take parties into confidence and her extensive experience is expected to help opposition parties in reaching a consensus and devising a roadmap for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

However, the grand old party has to be flexible in its approach in the states such as West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh where the regional parties like TMC and SP are bigger parties. Even in Gujarat and Punjab, the AAP is in a better position than Congress.

At the Bengaluru meet, it is anticipated that Sonia will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by effectively engaging with all opposition parties, thereby winning their trust.

On the other hand, the Congress has asserted that Opposition unity would be "a game changer" for the Indian political scenario and took a swipe at the BJP, saying those who used to talk of defeating the opposition parties alone are now making attempts to breathe new life into the NDA which had become a "ghost".

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance hosting a meeting of its constituents on Tuesday in what is being seen as a show of strength by the ruling alliance amid a get-together of opposition parties in Bengaluru to forge unity as the two sides step up their campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

At least 38 parties are expected to attend the NDA meeting.