New Delhi : – In response to the suspension of 141 MPs from the parliament, the opposition INDIA bloc is set to stage a nationwide protest today, as announced by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The decision comes after the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc, where key opposition leaders gathered to address various issues, including the recent suspensions and strategic planning for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Press Conference Highlights:
During a press conference following the meeting, Mr. Kharge emphasized the undemocratic nature of the suspensions, stating, “141 MPs being suspended is undemocratic. The issue we raised was not a wrong issue. We have been saying that Home Minister and Prime Minister should come to the House and brief the members of both the Houses.”
2024 Lok Sabha Elections Planning:
The INDIA bloc leaders discussed crucial matters such as seat-sharing, joint campaign strategies, and outlining their approach to take on the BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge mentioned ongoing seat-sharing discussions in various states, with conflicts, particularly in states like Punjab, to be addressed in due course.
Trinamool Congress’s Seat Sharing Demands:
While seat-sharing discussions commenced, the Trinamool Congress expressed its desire for the plan to be finalized by the end of the year, especially in West Bengal. The party suggested that the Congress contest nearly 300 seats in direct competition with the BJP.
Protest Against MP Suspensions:
Mr. Kharge declared that the Opposition alliance, united in its stance against the suspension of MPs, will hold a nationwide protest on December 22. “This is the first time 151 members of the parliament have been suspended in the country. We will fight against this. We have united to fight against this. We have decided to hold a protest against the suspension of MPs on 22 December,” he stated.
Meeting Rescheduling and Background:
The INDIA bloc meeting, originally slated for December 6, had to be postponed due to key leaders’ unavailability, including Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, and Arvind Kejriwal. The current meeting takes place against the backdrop of the highest number of MPs being suspended in a single session, a response to protests and slogans raised over the December 13 Lok Sabha security breach.
