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Cong Prez Mallikarjun Kharge made INDIA bloc's chairperson; Nitish declines convenor role

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had proposed Kharge as PM face of the bloc

(File) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and others during a protest of INDIA alliance at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi | PTI

The INDIA bloc has chosen Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the chairperson of the Opposition bloc, sources in the know of the development said. Reportedly, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar declined the convenor role.

Leaders of the INDIA alliance met virtually on Saturday to deliberate on seat sharing and chalk out strategies for the Lok Sabha elections. Participation of parties in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was also reportedly discussed. 

 According to reports, though Nitish Kumar was offered the convenor post of the bloc, the JD(U) leader declined saying a leader from Congress should assume the role. 

During the previous meeting of the bloc, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee proposed Kharge’s name as the bloc’s prime ministerial face and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal backed it.

Tamil Nadu CM and DMK leader M.K. Stalin attended the meeting along with party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.