The leaders of the Opposition parties alliance INDIA will meet in Mumbai on Thursday and Friday for their third meeting, which will see the parties deliberate on multiple agendas, including forming a plan for holding joint rallies and campaigns in the coming months.
Over 63 representatives from 28 political parties will attend the meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on Thursday and Friday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai. The third meeting also saw the INDIA bloc grow to 28 parties by including two regional outfits - the Peasants and Workers Party of India (PWP), a Marxist political party in Maharashtra, and another regional outfit.
Other items on the agenda include coming up with a logo and a new theme song for the bloc.
The group will also finalise the names for an 11-member coordination committee, including members from the various parties. The panel will decide the future role of the INDIA bloc and a common minimum programme.
However, finding a convenor for the alliance is likely a tricky issue, considering Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, seen as a leader who fit the bill considering the efforts he put in to form the coalition, has not shown interest in taking up the role. Another name doing rounds is West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "Also four posts of convenors have also been proposed, which will be discussed. The Congress left the issue of the convenor entirely to the consensus of the allies," sources told ANI.
Besides, the name of the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is likely to be proposed for the Chairperson post of the INDIA bloc.
About the theme song, a new theme song will be made. "A new theme song will be made, and it will be in multiple languages. 'We the people of India' as written in the Preamble of the Constitution will be used," sources told ANI.
There is a consensus on keeping the map of India in the bloc’s logo. "The final logo is kept on hold till tomorrow, more logos are being prepared, and all of them will be put in front of everyone then the final selection of logo will happen. There is consensus among on keeping the map of India,” bloc sources added.
Discussions are also on with regard to finding a slogan. These include 'Mehengai ko Harane ke liye India' (To defeat inflation, there is INDIA), 'Berozgari ko mitane ke liye India' (To remove Unemployment, there is INDIA), 'Nafrat ki aag ko bujhane ke liye India' (To douse the fire of Hatred, there is INDIA).
Discussions will also be held about forming a media cell and a social media cell.
While there are reports that the alliance will discuss seat-sharing, the leaders are also expected to discuss their face for the Prime Minister post. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole had clarified earlier that seat sharing will be done as per the merit of the parties in different states in upcoming meetings.
