| 29 June 2023
1. The Congress party has called for complete transparency in the India-US drone deal, raising allegations of inflated prices. The opposition claims that the purchase of 31 MQ-9B unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) at a higher price compared to other countries is reminiscent of the controversial Rafale deal. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera has questioned the involvement of a top influential person with close links to the CEO of General Atomics, the drone manufacturer. The party also raised concerns about the absence of a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting to approve the deal. The Defense Ministry, on the other hand, has stated that the cost and terms are yet to be finalized, and they will negotiate the best price after receiving policy approval from the US.
2. Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, embarked on a two-day visit to Manipur to address the escalating violence and connect with the displaced communities affected by clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. However, his convoy was halted by the police due to security concerns, leading to criticism from Congress leaders, who accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of hindering a compassionate outreach. The visit aimed to prioritize the restoration of peace and harmony in the strife-torn region. The opposition has been demanding the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, calling for federal rule to be imposed.
3. Rahul Gandhi visited Churachandpur, a region in Manipur severely affected by ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Gandhi's visit aimed to express solidarity with the displaced individuals and understand the ground realities of the situation. However, his journey faced obstacles as his convoy was halted by the state police due to security concerns. Gandhi made an unscheduled stop at Bishnupur and later reached Churachandpur via helicopter. The visit emphasized the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation between the communities involved. It aimed to shed light on the pressing issues faced by the affected communities and foster a path towards lasting peace.
4. Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a fiery speech targeting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of being a "turncoat." Shah criticized Kumar for questioning the central government's accomplishments and accused him of switching alliances without delivering substantial progress. Shah also condemned the recent meeting of opposition party leaders in Patna, where they pledged to unite against the BJP for the 2024 national elections. He demanded strict punishment for leaders who abandoned the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Shah's speech highlighted the deepening rifts and pursuit of power by all sides as the political landscape intensifies in Bihar.
5. Sharad Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, announced that the next meeting of opposition parties would be held in Bengaluru on July 13 and 14. The decision follows the recent meeting in Patna, where leaders from over 15 opposition parties gathered to form a united front against the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The meeting aimed to establish a plan of action and strategize for the upcoming polls. While the BJP dismissed the opposition's unity as inconsequential, the opposition parties remain hopeful that by joining forces, they can pose a formidable challenge to the ruling party. The opposition leaders are expected to discuss key issues such as economic policies, social justice, farmer protests, and electoral strategies during the Bengaluru meeting. The goal is to forge a common agenda and present a united front against the BJP in the upcoming elections. Leaders from various regional and national parties, including the Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, among others, are likely to attend the meeting.
The meeting holds significance as it showcases a growing effort among opposition parties to join forces and challenge the dominance of the BJP. The BJP has been in power at the national level since 2014 and has secured several state-level victories as well. However, recent electoral setbacks and the emergence of united opposition fronts in some states have provided hope to opposition parties.
The Bengaluru meeting also aims to address concerns raised by regional parties regarding the centralization of power by the BJP-led government. Leaders may discuss issues such as federalism, autonomy of states, and the need for greater decentralization of authority. Additionally, the meeting may explore possibilities for pre-poll alliances and seat-sharing arrangements to maximize the chances of defeating the BJP in constituencies across the country.
While the BJP maintains a confident stance, dismissing the opposition's efforts as a disparate coalition lacking a strong leader, the opposition parties are determined to prove their strength and ability to offer a viable alternative. The meeting in Bengaluru will serve as a platform for discussions, negotiations, and the formulation of strategies to counter the BJP's electoral machinery.
Overall, the opposition's focus on unity and collaboration highlights their shared objective of challenging the BJP's political dominance. The Bengaluru meeting is anticipated to set the stage for future collaborations, alliances, and electoral battles leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, making it a crucial event on the political landscape of India.
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