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Following the meeting of 63 leaders from across the country who had gathered in Mumbai for the third meeting of the opposition INDIA front, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took a jibe at the PM Narendra Modi-led Central government over its decision to convene a special session of the Parliament from September 18-22.
“We are moving towards dictatorship. PM Modi has announced a special session of Parliament without any consultation with any party. No such session was called when Manipur was burning, Covid-19 cases were rising or China was capturing India’s land,” the Congress president said while addressing the media in Mumbai on Friday.
Explaining the importance of the alliance, Kharge added: “Our first meeting in Patna was about setting the agenda. Then the second meeting happened in Bangalore. We all are again meeting in Mumbai. Our aim is to fight against inflation, price rise, unemployment. Modi raises Rs 100 and decreases Rs 2. The reduction in gas cylinder prices does not mean anything. It is fakery. Modi can never work for the poor. He works for big industrialists. It is important that INDIA wins to stop all of this. Institutional corruption is a sign of the Modi government. The next meeting will be fixed soon.”
The statements came after the Opposition bloc resolved to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls together “as far as possible”, asserting that seat-sharing arrangements in states will be concluded at the earliest in a spirit of “give-and-take”.
“We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to organize public rallies at the earliest in different parts of the country on issues of public concern and importance,” the resolution further read.
The Centre, in a surprise announcement on Thursday, said a special session of Parliament was being convened from September 18 to September 22. However, it gave no reason for calling the session which would have five sittings.
While sources said the agenda for the session is not clear yet, there is speculation in the BJP and official circles that the Modi government could go for a big-ticket move like initiating the process for ushering in simultaneous elections in the country or the Women’s Reservation Bill. While a section in the government pointed to the electoral advantages of the two possibilities, others ruled these out as an agenda for a special session, especially at a time when the Opposition is uniting and is unlikely to cooperate with the government to push through a major legislation.
Addressing the media following the Opposition’s mega meet, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the parties represented 60 per cent of India and it would be impossible for the BJP to defeat them if they came together.
“This stage represents 60% of India. If we unite, it is impossible for the BJP to win. Hence, we must unite in efficient way,” Gandhi said.
He added: “Two important steps have been taken here — the coordination committee and further sub-committees were formed. And, all seat-sharing talks will be expedited and completed. It will ensure that INDIA will defeat the BJP. PM and Adani are a nexus of corruption and the INDIA front will demonstrate it. We are going to present a clear set of ideas, which will involve farmers and workers of this country. Relationships forged between leaders of this alliances is more important. These meetings have built the rapport and ensure that we work as one. There is flexibility among leaders despite differences between us.”
Taking potshots at the Centre, Gandhi said that during his recent trip to Ladakh, the Prime Minister’s lies about China not taking away Indian territories was exposed.
“I spent a week in Ladakh where I went to Pangong lake where the Chinese are. I had detailed discussion with shepherds and common people around the lake. They told me that Chinese have taken Indian land. They told me that the Prime Minister is lying about the Chinese. The people of Ladakh feel betrayed by the government of India,” he said.
The senior Congress leader further informed: “There is a clear change on the borders. Shepherds told that they are not allowed to areas where they were allowed earlier. It is extremely shameful that this is happening and press is not reporting it.”
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