Cong. PCC Chiefs, State In-Charges To Meet in Delhi

 New Delhi: The Congress has convened a meeting of its general secretaries, state in-charges and Pradesh Congress Committee presidents in New Delhi on Thursday to assess the political situation and finalise its strategy for the coming months. The meeting will be chaired by Mallikarjun Kharge at Indira Bhawan, amid efforts by the Opposition to strengthen coordination ahead of key developments and the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Announcing the meeting, K.C. Venugopal said all senior organisational leaders have been asked to attend. Party sources indicated that discussions would cover recent political developments, organisational issues, electoral challenges and the Congress’ role within the I.N.D.I.A. bloc.

Ahead of the meeting, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in New Delhi. A Cabinet expansion in Karnataka is expected in the coming days.

The meetings are being seen as part of efforts by Opposition parties to reinforce coordination within the I.N.D.I.A. bloc and avoid divisions that could affect its political objectives.

Earlier this week, leaders of several I.N.D.I.A. bloc constituents met in New Delhi and demanded the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-CBSE controversy. They also decided to approach the Chief Justice of India over the Special Intensive Revision exercise and allegations of electoral irregularities.

Opposition leaders at that meeting raised issues including unemployment, rising prices, the condition of marginalised communities and broader economic concerns. They decided to hold coordination meetings every two months, with the next I.N.D.I.A.bloc meeting scheduled in Hyderabad in August, while continuing joint parliamentary coordination during the Monsoon Session.