Mallikarjun Kharge Invites Opposition MPs for Lunch Again, Meeting Scheduled in Connaught Place

Congress president and leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, has once again called opposition MPs for a lunch meeting in Delhi. The meeting is scheduled for 1:45 PM in Connaught Place on October 8, according to an Aaj Tak report. 

The latest meeting comes a day after Kharge hosted a lunch for opposition MPs on October 7, following which several INDIA bloc leaders and MPs participated in a protest linked to their demands concerning the Election Commission.

Kharge Calls Opposition MPs for Lunch Again

Kharge has invited opposition MPs for another lunch meeting as political activity around the Election Commission issue continues.

The meeting in Connaught Place is expected to provide an opportunity for opposition leaders and MPs to discuss their next course of action. Aaj Tak reported that the lunch has been scheduled for 1:45 PM. 

What Happened After the Previous Lunch?

Kharge had also hosted opposition MPs for lunch on October 7.

The previous lunch was held at Sagar Ratna restaurant in Janpath, where several INDIA bloc MPs gathered. The meeting was followed by the opposition's movement towards a protest site. 

After the meeting, a group of opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge, headed towards Jantar Mantar as part of the protest over the Election Commission-related issue. 

Opposition Protest Over Election Commission

The opposition's latest mobilization is linked to its objections concerning the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Several INDIA bloc parties have been demanding greater transparency over the electoral-roll revision process and have been protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The opposition has also sought to raise the issue through demonstrations and meetings with constitutional authorities. 

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Joined the Protest

On October 7, opposition MPs moved towards the protest venue after the lunch meeting.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among the opposition leaders who participated in the protest. Several opposition MPs were detained by Delhi Police during the demonstration and were later released. 

The opposition leaders have maintained that their concerns about the Election Commission and electoral roll revision need to be addressed.

Security Was Tight Around the Protest

Ahead of the previous protest, security arrangements were increased in central Delhi. Police had put up barricades around areas including Jantar Mantar, while restrictions were also imposed on movement in parts of the area.

Delhi Police had indicated that opposition MPs could be stopped if they attempted to move towards certain protest locations. 

What Could Happen After Today's Lunch?

The October 8 lunch meeting comes at a time when the opposition is continuing its political mobilization over the Election Commission issue.

The exact agenda and decisions of the meeting will depend on discussions among the opposition parties. The previous lunch was followed by a protest, while opposition leaders have also been discussing further programs and demonstrations.

The INDIA bloc had earlier announced a wider protest program over the Election Commission and SIR, including demonstrations and planned political outreach. 

Political Activity Intensifies

Kharge's decision to call opposition MPs for lunch again indicates that discussions among INDIA bloc parties are continuing amid the ongoing dispute over the Election Commission.

With the opposition already holding protests in Delhi and planning further political programs, the 1:45 PM meeting in Connaught Place will be closely watched for any decision on the next course of action.