BENGALURU, Jul 18: In a gathering of 26 Opposition parties to strategize for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized that their intention is not to seek power or the post of prime minister. Instead, their focus is on safeguarding the Constitution, democracy, secularism, and social justice.
During his inaugural address on the second day of the meeting, Kharge acknowledged differences among opposition parties at the state level but clarified that these differences are not rooted in ideology. He urged the parties to set aside these discrepancies for the greater good of the common people, the suffering middle class facing inflation, unemployed youth, and marginalized sections like the poor, Dalits, adivasis, and minorities whose rights are being silently suppressed.
Highlighting the unity of the 26 parties present, Kharge pointed out that they currently govern 11 states. He also criticized the BJP for not securing the 303 seats on its own in the previous election, instead relying on allies’ votes to attain power and subsequently disregarding them. He noted that the BJP is now attempting to mend ties with its former allies as its president and leaders travel from state to state in pursuit of reconciliation.
