This is an archive article published on February 26, 2023
Cong message to Opp parties: Let’s work on UPA model, 3rd front will only help BJP
Kharge said that between 2004 and 2014 several like-minded parties had joined hands with the Congress, which, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, ran a “very successful” government based on a common minimum programme.
(From left) Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Bhupesh Baghel, Rahul Gandhi, K C Venugopal and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in Raipur on Saturday. (Photo: PTI)
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Cong message to Opp parties: Let’s work on UPA model, 3rd front will only help BJP
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Amid talk on Opposition unity, the Congress on Saturday sent out a clear message to the regional parties, expressing its willingness to work with “like-minded parties” and forge a “viable alternative” with them to take on the BJP, but in the same breath it spoke of the UPA model, where the Congress led the alliance.
In a message to parties keen on forming a non-Congress grouping, the grand old party said the emergence of any third force would provide an advantage to BJP. Both Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the political resolution discussed at the AICC plenary session here addressed the question of Opposition unity.
The resolution said there is an “urgent need” for a united Opposition to take on the BJP-led NDA on “common ideological grounds”. But the mention of UPA by Kharge signals the party is not ready to cede leadership role.
“In the prevailing difficult circumstances, Congress is the only party in the country that can provide capable and decisive leadership to the country,” Kharge said in his inaugural speech. “From 2004 to 2014, our alliance with like-minded parties served the people effectively and we once again look forward to forging a viable alternative by aligning with like-minded parties to defeat the anti-people, undemocratic BJP government,”.
The resolution stated, “Unity of secular and socialist forces will be the hallmark of the future of the Congress. Congress should go all out to identify, mobilise and align like-minded secular forces. We should include secular regional forces who agree with our ideology. There is an urgent need for a united opposition to take on NDA on common ideological grounds.”
It stated, “Emergence of any third force will provide advantage to the BJP/NDA.”
Some opposition parties — Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and KCR’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) among them — are not comfortable with the idea of the Congress leading the anti-BJP grouping. The BRS has already floated the idea of a third front.
But many parties like NCP, DMK and JD(U) believe a viable Opposition grouping is not possible without the Congress.
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Kharge said that between 2004 and 2014 several like-minded parties had joined hands with the Congress, which, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, ran a “very successful” government based on a common minimum programme.
“Today there is a need to strengthen that alliance more,” he said. “We are ready to work with all those parties who are ready to fight against BJP and the RSS.”
The resolution was scathing in its assessment of the Narendra Modi government and said the Congress will prepare a “Vision Document” for 2024 that would “encompass issues of unemployment, eradication of poverty, inflation, women empowerment, job creation, national security”.
It stated: “During 75 years of independence, India has never witnessed such a disastrous situation as seen during the past eight and half years — of fear, hate, and intimidation… Let us remember that the forces which collaborated with British rule and opposed Mahatma Gandhi were responsible for his killing. The inheritors of these forces hold power today…”
Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape.
Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis.
The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage.
Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting.
Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics.
National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections.
Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum.
Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital.
Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief.
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