Opposition parties' meeting today to discuss issues challenging BJP!

The grand meeting of 24 opposition parties begins today, focusing on the issues that will increase tensions for the BJP!

Why will Sharad Pawar and Mamata Banerjee not be attending the dinner?

The second meeting of the opposition is commencing today, July 17th, in Bengaluru. It is a two-day program for which invitations have been extended to 24 parties. The first meeting of the opposition unity held in Patna, Bihar, did not yield any concrete results. Therefore, an agenda has been prepared for this second meeting. From the look of the agenda, it seems that some decisive steps regarding the 2024 Lok Sabha elections may be taken in this meeting.

As per Sahil Joshi and Sagay Raj's report from Aaj Tak, the opposition leaders' meeting is scheduled to take place on July 17th between 6-8 PM. This will be a formal meeting, followed by a dinner hosted by the Chief Minister of Karnataka at 8 PM for all opposition parties. On July 18th, all meetings will commence at 11 AM and continue until 4 PM. Mallikarjun Kharge, the President of the Congress party, along with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, former Congress presidents, and K.C. Venugopal, will be present at the meeting.

What are the agendas of the meeting?

Drafting a common minimum program for the 2024 general elections.
Forming a sub-committee to prepare essential communication points for the alliance.
Creating a sub-committee to address conflicts between parties, conferences, rallies, and two factions.
Discussing the allocation of seats based on the states.
Discussing issues related to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and suggesting reforms to the Election Commission.
Providing a suggestion for a name for the proposed alliance.
Establishing a central office for the proposed alliance.

Will Sharad Pawar and Mamata Banerjee not attend?

Both West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar will not be able to attend the meeting in Bengaluru on July 17. These leaders will not be present at the dinner organized on the first day. Following Mamata Banerjee's recent knee surgery, doctors have advised her to rest. She will participate in the meeting scheduled for July 18. However, Abhishek Banerjee from the TMC will be present at the dinner on the first day. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar will be meeting with his legislators in Mumbai on July 17, which prevents him from attending the dinner in Bengaluru.