Mamata Banerjee meets Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi; 23 parties to participate in INDIA alliance meeting tomorrow

New Delhi: Amidst speculation regarding internal tensions within the TMC, Mamata Banerjee met Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi on Sunday, a day before the meeting of the opposition 'INDIA' alliance. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee also met Kejriwal. Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee had arrived in Delhi on Saturday itself. Rajya Sabha member Dola Sen and Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee have also accompanied Mamata Banerjee to Delhi.

According to a PTI report, the meeting between Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, and Kejriwal is taking place at a time when there is speculation that disgruntled TMC leaders and MPs might attempt to replicate the situation seen in the West Bengal Assembly within Parliament. It is reported that 58 out of 80 Trinamool MLAs have rebelled against the party's official legislative wing and formed a separate faction.

Why is There Focus on Mamata and Abhishek's Delhi visit?

This is being viewed as a major setback for Mamata Banerjee. Following the defeat in the recent assembly elections, several TMC leaders have openly criticized the leadership style of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. With indications that rebel MPs might also take a significant step in the coming days, all eyes are fixed on the Delhi visit of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.

How many parties to attend the meeting?

According to PTI, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that 23 political parties will participate in the opposition 'INDIA' alliance meeting scheduled for Monday. The meeting will be held at Delhi's 'Constitution Club' and will be attended by top opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC's Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)'s Uddhav Thackeray.

Why did AAP and DMK keep their distance?

The DMK and the Aam Aadmi Party are unlikely to attend the meeting. The Aam Aadmi Party has already distanced itself from the alliance, while the DMK has decided to boycott the meeting following the breakdown of its ties with the Congress in Tamil Nadu. However, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserted that the opposition 'INDIA' bloc remains united. Ramesh stated that certain political parties have expressed their inability to attend the meeting due to various reasons.

What Issues are likely to be discussed at the meeting?

It is believed that the meeting will involve deliberations on future strategies, the upcoming electoral cycles in various states, and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Discussions are also expected regarding strategies to corner the Modi government on various issues. Additionally, there may be talks about projecting a face to challenge Narendra Modi. TMC leader and MP Derek O'Brien stated that the meeting is taking place with a shared objective and clear intent, emphasizing that the 'INDIA' bloc is united.