| 22 June 2023
In a significant development leading up to the mega Opposition meet scheduled in Patna on June 23, sources have revealed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is prepared to boycott the meeting if the Congress fails to extend its support to the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government. This move comes in response to the ordinance recently introduced by the Central government aimed at gaining control over services in Delhi.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has taken the initiative to rally support from opposition leaders, urging them to prioritize the Delhi ordinance as the primary issue during the forthcoming meeting. In a letter addressed to his fellow opposition leaders, Kejriwal stressed the importance of taking clear political stances and adopting a holistic perspective. He highlighted that if the bill is passed, it could potentially impact non-BJP-ruled states as well as encroach upon the powers of state governments regarding concurrent list matters.
During a recent press conference, the Delhi Chief Minister stated, "I hope the parties will ask the Congress to clear its stand on the issue. The ordinance will be the first issue that will be discussed at the meeting." Kejriwal's call for unity among opposition parties demonstrates his determination to address this crucial issue and secure their support against the contentious ordinance.
The ordinance in question, promulgated by the central government, grants the lieutenant governor final authority over transfers and postings of Delhi bureaucrats, superseding the Delhi government's jurisdiction. This move has sparked a strong response from the AAP, which has been consistently advocating for greater autonomy and authority for the Delhi government.
The Opposition meeting in Patna is set to witness a convergence of opposition leaders from nearly 20 parties. The primary objective of the gathering is to devise a joint strategy to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year. Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar, who has been actively working towards fostering opposition unity, called for the meeting.
Reports suggest that the Opposition meeting aims to identify common candidates to contest against the BJP in approximately 450 constituencies, as already identified by Nitish Kumar. The concerted effort to defeat the saffron party in these Lok Sabha polls demonstrates the opposition's determination to present a formidable challenge and potentially alter the political landscape.
However, with the AAP's threat to boycott the meeting unless the Congress extends its support on the Delhi ordinance issue, the unity among opposition parties could face a significant hurdle. The absence of the AAP, a prominent player in Delhi's political landscape, could have far-reaching implications for the joint strategy against the BJP.
As the deadline for the Opposition meeting approaches, the political landscape remains uncertain, with the fate of the alliance hanging in the balance. The Delhi ordinance issue, which holds significant implications for the autonomy of state governments, has taken center stage, potentially overshadowing other crucial issues that were expected to be discussed during the meeting.
The outcome of the Opposition meeting will have far-reaching consequences for the political dynamics leading up to the Lok Sabha elections. The ability of opposition parties to present a united front against the BJP will determine the strength and effectiveness of their challenge. The coming days will reveal whether the AAP and Congress can find common ground, paving the way for a unified opposition strategy or if their differences will result in a fracture within the opposition ranks, potentially strengthening the BJP's position in the electoral landscape.
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