'Maha-Gatbandhan' Chapter 3 - Opposition INDIA comes together for the 3rd time to finalize upon key-aspects of their alliance

Opposition Bloc INDIA is expected to finalize upon a slew of important decisions centering on their 'maha-gatbandhan' over Thursday and Friday, during their joint meeting in Mumbai. 

During the third meeting, INDIA is expected to unveil their logo, formulate a coordination committee to keep all the parties in sync, and lay out the nuances of a joint action plan to face the ruling BJP government in the all important 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Seat sharing in the states is one of the most crucial issues of the Mumbai Chapter. 

This meeting comes after the Union Government's 'Raksha Bandhan' gift to the women of India - a 200 rupee subsidy on domestic cooking gas. Many leaders of the Opposition Bloc have said that the formation of their formidable alliance has compelled the ruling government to reduce the cost of LPG. "They increased the price of LPG cylinders by 800 rupees, and now they give a 200 rupee subsidy. It's almost like you're going to a shop and haggling with the shopkeeper over the price of a product, it's nothing but a poll- gimmick ahead of the elections. Even if the cylinders are priced at 900 rupees, not everyone will be able to afford them", said West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, taking a swipe at the Union Government's move. Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackrey too was reflective of Bangerjee's confidence. Addressing a press conference ahead of the third Mumbai Chapter meet of their alliance, Thackeray said, "Was there no Raksha Bandhan in the last nine years? As the INDIA Bloc progresses, the LPG cylinders will be given for free. No matter what they do, people are smart and understand everything." The leaders of the Opposition Alliance say that they have united together to save Mother India from the 'dictatorial regime' of the BJP government. 

As many as 63 representatives of at least 28 political parties will be in attendance at the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance's meeting. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has also hinted at a possibility of the inclusion of more political parties into their alliance, and an expansion of their bloc. 

Important issues will be raised and cemented upon at this meeting. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav are amongst the many chief ministers and senior leaders who have already arrived in Mumbai. The Congress leadership, Arvind Kejariwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann are expected to join in today. 

The leaders of the Opposition are confident that they will put up a strong fight against the BJP government during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. They claim that they may be divided by ideology, but have united to protect their idea of a democratic India. NCP leader Sharad Pawar said that he is confident that the Opposition Alliance INDIA will provide a formidable alternative to bring about a much needed political change in the country. Moreover, the Opposition Bloc has claimed that they have set aside their petty differences and have come together for the greater good. Upon being questioned about a projected Prime Ministerial candidate representing INDIA, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said,"India will be our PM face. Our primary concern is to save the country." 

The first chapter of the 'maha-gatbandhan' was held in Patna, the second in Bangalore, and the third one is being held in Mumbai. The Shiv Sena leaders want this to be the last meeting of the INDIA Alliance, so that the political parties can start working in their respective states in adherence to the decisions that they take in this meeting, leading upto the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 

In tandem with the Opposition's meet, the BJP-led Maharashtra Government too has announced a 2-day meet to review the 48 Lok Sabha seats that the state has.