Amid rift within INDI bloc, Congress kicks off seat-sharing talks with allies in Bihar

Delhi: As Lok Sabha 2024 election 2024 nears, Congress has begun seat-sharing talks with or partners of Indian National Developmental Inclusive (INDI) Alliance in Bihar, reports said on Monday, January 8. 

This comes after key-INDI partner, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar got upset following Congress’ ‘Kharge for PM’ call. Earlier, Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s name was proposed for prime ministerial face of Opposition bloc. Janata Dal (United) has been pushing for Nitish Kumar to be conver of opposition's alliance. 

On Saturday evening, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Maj Jha arrived at residence of Congress leer and convener of Congress National Alliance Committee (NAC), Mukul Wasnik in national capital. 

Congress National Alliance Committee members Ashok Gehlot and Salman Khurshid were also present in meeting, said reports. This is first meeting with RJD to discuss seat-sharing formula for state of Bihar. 

Positive discussions on seat sharing everywhere, asserts Khurshid 

" discussion will continue with different parties as per ir schedules. We are putting our kwledge about seats in regions and asking for ir impressions so that we are more focused in upcoming meetings. meetings were good and next meeting with AAP will be done tomorrow. re are positive discussions on seat sharing everywhere," Salman Khurshid said after meeting. 

Congress tasks NAC to le up to LS polls 2024

Congress formed five-member NAC, with Wasnik as conver and veteran leers including former chief ministers Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel, former Union minister Salman Khurshid, and Mohan Prakash as members. committee is tasked with examining various aspects of forming alliances with or political entities in le-up to 2024 general elections.

Formed with motive to take over PM Narendra Modi-led BJP government at Centre, Opposition bloc has been struggling to arrive at consensus on issue of seat-sharing among 28 parties. bloc last met on December 19, 2023 when it passed a resolution saying that suspension of MPs from Parliament was undemocratic.

(With inputs from ANI)