2024 Lok Sabha polls: ‘No PM face, regional parties should be given priority’, says JD-U leader
1 min read 18 May 2023, 08:54 AM ISTTalks surrounding an Opposition alliance have gained momentum since the Congress party's thumping victory in the Karanataka elections
PremiumSenior Janta Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi has said that other parties should support Congress in states where the grand old party is stronger. The statement by senior JD (U) leader comes days after similar remarks by Samajwadi Party Supremo Akhilesh Yadav and TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee.
Talks of an opposition alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have gained momentum after the Congress party's thumping victory in the Karnataka assembly elections. However, the regional parties want Congress to focus on states where it is in a one-on-one contest with the BJP.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Tyagi said, "In states where Congress party is strong, other parties should help Congress. In states where regional parties are stronger, the Congress party should help them. One formula should be adopted against BJP. No Party should name a prime ministerial candidate for the 2024 polls".
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared similar views while speaking to reporters on Monday. She believes that there is a need to prioritize regional parties where they are strong during the seat-sharing formula.
“Wherever Congress is strong in their respective 200 seats or something. Let them fight, we will give support, nothing is wrong (in that)." the West Bengal Chief Minister said
Making similar remarks about opposition unity, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav said, “Nitish Kumar, Mamata Banerjee, KCR, and various political parties are trying to find a way. Wherever any party is strong, election in all those places will be fought under their leadership."
However, KC Tyagi went on to focus at length on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's role in the opposition alliance. He said, “It is certain that Nitish Kumar will play a role in whatever alliance is formed. These things have come to light only after Nitish Kumar left the NDA."
Nitish Kumar was part of the ruling coalition with the BJP in Bihar. However, Nitish Kumar has been one of the biggest proponents of an opposition alliance ever since he parted with the Saffron party in 2022. In recent months, Kumar has met with leaders from many political parties that may not see eye to eye on many issues. He recently met with NCP President Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik among other leaders.
