Mamata Banerjee takes driver's seat to unite Opposition ahead of Presidential polls
As many as 17 opposition parties attended the crucial meeting to build consensus on fielding a joint candidate in the upcoming presidential election.
In a bid to fight the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming Presidential polls, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday (June 15, 2022) called a meeting of the Opposition parties. As many as 17 opposition parties attended the crucial meeting to build consensus on fielding a joint candidate in the 2022 presidential election.
Opposition leaders meet in Delhi for the upcoming Presidential Poll
Mamata Banerjee, other party leaders, address a press conference
Mamata Banerjee with Sharad Pawar, Mehbooba Mufti during a press conference
Mamata Banerjee with Akhilesh Yadav, Mehbooba Mufti, Sharad Pawar during the Opposition leaders meeting at Constitution Club of India in New Delhi
Mamata Banerjee mentions names of Farooq Abdullah, Gopalkrishna Gandhi as opposition's candidates
At the crucial meet, leaders of several opposition parties also urged NCP supremo Sharad Pawar to be the joint opposition candidate for the presidential election, but the veteran leader once again declined the offer.
As per reports, Mamata Banerjee mentioned the names of National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and Gopalkrishna Gandhi as other alternatives.
The election to elect a successor to incumbent Ram Nath Kovind would be held on July 18. Kovind had defeated joint opposition nominee Meira Kumar in the last presidential polls.