Top leaders of the INDIA bloc will gather in Delhi on Saturday to strategize for the upcoming vote counting on June 4. Notably, the TMC and PDP are expected to skip the meeting. Senior leaders from Congress, CPI-M, CPI, DMK, RJD, Shiv Sena, and NCP will convene at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence this afternoon.
TMC Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced her absence due to state elections, while PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti is likely to skip for personal reasons. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann are anticipated to attend, along with senior Congress figures including Rahul Gandhi and K C Venugopal. DMK leader T R Baalu will represent his party as confirmed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.
Kharge emphasized that the meeting is informal and focused on preparations for counting day. Discussions will include ensuring vigilance over EVMs and the use of Form 17C. The Congress has already instructed its state units to remain vigilant regarding Form 17C procedures.
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah is set to attend, having departed Srinagar on Saturday morning. The seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections is concurrently underway in states including Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
This meeting underscores the INDIA bloc's efforts to consolidate their approach and ensure transparency during the vote counting process, despite the notable absences of TMC and PDP leadership.
