Amidst the vague indications from Sharad Pawar-led NCP whether to be part of the Opposition parties bloc called INDIA or not, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising the Shiv Sena (Udhhav), the Congress and the NCP have held series of meetings during the weekend to leave no stone unturned in "concretising" the third meeting beginning this Friday at Mumbai.
While a logo with some slogans are to be unveiled during the meet as earlier reported by The Pioneer, the MVA, as host of third meeting has formed several committees to plan various aspects of the meeting on August 31 and September 1.
The Opposition meeting will also be watched by the BJP and its NDA partners as the race for the 2024 General Elections is gearing up.
Besides, NCP stalwart Sharad has created confusion with each passing day with his comments on the breakaway faction led by his nephew Ajit Pawar who is part of NDA and a Deputy CM in Maharashtra but the patriarch Pawar maintained that his party was never ripped off albeit a few MLAs are on other side. Sharad is oscillating between NDA as well INDIA.
While 26 Opposition parties alliance as of now is confirmed, the Mumbai meet may see expansion with some more regional outfits joining.
The INDIA bloc's first meeting was held in Patna in June, while the second one took place in Bengaluru in mid-July. The Bengaluru conclave had finalised the name of the bloc - Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday said a few more political parties were likely to join the Opposition INDIA bloc during its upcoming meeting.
However, the JD(U) leader, who played an instrumental role in bringing together different parties opposed to the BJP, did not reveal the names of the likely entrants but said poll-related modalities such as seat-sharing will be discussed at the meeting.
"We will discuss the INDIA bloc's strategies for next year's general elections during the upcoming meeting in Mumbai. Issues such as seat-sharing will be discussed and several other agendas will be finalised. A few more political parties will join our coalition. I wish to unite the maximum number of parties before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I am working in that direction... I have no desire for myself," Nitish said in Patna.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut too indicated last week that there is a possibility that new political parties, especially from northeast India, will take part in the two-day gathering.
"The INDIA (alliance) logo will be unveiled (during the meeting). Discussions are on for the same. We are trying to reach out to 140 crore Indians. The logo will symbolise the country, its unity, and reflect the energy needed to keep the country together," Raut said.
Sources said the Congress will handle media and publicity, while the NCP will take care of transport and Shiv Sena to look after accommodation with two leaders from these parties in each committee.
The management is being supervised by Congress leaders Milind Deora, Naseem Khan and Varsha Gaikwad, while former Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior leader Ashok Chavan will be overall in charge of the organising committee. A Press conference has been scheduled on Thursday to announce details of the meeting.