Panels, logo, public outreach on agenda of INDIA meeting

Sixty-three leaders from 28 opposition parties flew into Mumbai on Wednesday for a two-day meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), bracing for tough negotiations that will test their unity in what is tipped to be the group’s first effort at moving beyond symbolism to resolve thorny substantive issues of leadership and political strategy.

- Saubhadra Chatterji

A month after forming the grouping in Bengaluru, the parties are likely to discuss architecture, timeline and strategy, unveil a common logo and chalk out a mega public outreach programme with joint rallies, the first time the bloc is trying a consorted campaign outside Parliament, three INDIA leaders said on the condition of anonymity. (INDIA meet LIVE updates)

The INDIA leaders might also fix timelines for key tasks, evolve a social media plan, fix the schedule for the next meeting (to be held in north India), and consider a few resolutions, including one on electronic voting machines, said the leaders cited above. Farmer leader Raju Shetti’s Swabhimani Shetkari Saghtana and Peasants and Workers Party of India are likely to join the 26 parties already part of the bloc. But the contentious issue of working panels, especially a 11-member coordination committee to handle secretarial work and operational task, may generate differences at the Mumbai meeting on August 31 and September 1, the leaders cited above added. Some disquiet was already visible on the eve of the meeting after a Congress post on the bloc on Instagram featured Rahul Gandhi at the centre and omitted Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.