Opposition leaders from various parties met at Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s residence in the national capital on Tuesday evening.
The meeting was attended by NCP chief Sharad Pawar, J&K NC leader Farooq Abdullah, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, DMK’s TR Baalu, and CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury.
The ongoing situation in the Winter Session of Parliament as well as Opposition unity in various states were discussed during the meeting.
“It was a meeting about the country. We talked about how we can work together and move forward and how we can take out the country from this difficulty. A good agreement has been formed among us,” said National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah.
“Our main agenda was Opposition unity in a state-wise manner,” said Raut.
According to the Rajya Sabha MP, another meeting would be held tomorrow. NCP chief Sharad Pawar, he added, would also be present.
12 Rajya Sabha MPs had been suspended on the first day of the Winter Session for ‘unruly and violent behaviour’ during the previous Parliament session in August.
Since then, Opposition leaders have held extensive protests calling for the “unprecedented and undemocratic” suspension to be revoked. The suspended leaders include six from the Congress, two each from TMC and Shiv Sena and one each from CPM and CPI.
After the meeting, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told reporters, “Our main agenda was Opposition unity in a state-wise manner. This was the first meeting. We will meet again tomorrow. Sharad Pawar also will be there.”
Asked about the suspension of Rajya Sabha MPs, DMK leader TR Baalu said, “We discussed the suspension of MPs.”
While the government insists that it is open to discussions on the matter, the Opposition leaders have refused to express contrition.
“I call upon Congress leaders and others to express remorse and regret and come in the House. Government is ready for discussion on any matter,” said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday.
“No apologies, no regrets, we’ll fight,” Raut had asserted in response to Joshi.
The Trinamool Congress which wanted to lead the opposition front against BJP in recent days was not present.
