Terming the Presidential election as a battle between progressive and regressive ideologies, M. Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, called for opposition unity to save democracy and the Constitution.
“As a responsible opposition, we want the unity of all non-BJP parties to defeat the BJP candidate [Draupadi Murmu] and elect opposition candidate [Yashwant Sinha] in the imminent Presidential election. It is an ideological fight, and we will fight, no matter how many votes our candidate will get. In a democracy, the opposition has a pivotal role to play, and we are sincerely discharging our duty,” Mr. Kharge said during an interaction with journalists at his residence in Kalaburagi on July 11.
Responding to queries on the problems in achieving opposition unity, the veteran Congressman said, “A few parties like BJD [Biju Janata Dal] and YSR Congress, which are inclined towards the BJP, are not supporting the opposition candidate. There are some other parties like JD(S) and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha who have joined them. There are some more parties who are expected to announce their support for the opposition candidate in a few days. We have already had a couple of meetings, and one more meeting is scheduled on July 17 in New Delhi, a day before the election, to consolidate the opposition unity. My request to opposition parties is to unite and fight to save democracy, the Constitution and the peace in society,” Mr. Kharge said.
