India Bloc Works on Joint V-P Candidate, Kharge in Talks With Oppn Leaders: Sources

The Opposition's INDIA bloc is preparing to field a common nominee for the upcoming vice presidential election, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reaching out to partner parties to identify a name acceptable to all, according to political sources on Sunday.

- MPOST BUREAU

NEW DELHI:

Leaders familiar with the discussions said there is a prevailing view that the bloc should not avoid a contest, even if victory is uncertain, as it would send a "clear political signal" to the ruling alliance. While no formal meeting has been convened to finalize a candidate, informal consultations are under way.

"There is agreement that the INDIA bloc will put forward a united face in this election," a senior Congress functionary said, adding that Kharge has been in contact with leaders from various parties to narrow down options. Some allies, however, are of the opinion that the candidate should be named only after the BJP reveals its choice.

The deliberations come amid renewed coordination within the bloc, which recently announced its opposition to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, accusing the Election Commission and the BJP of enabling what it termed as "vote chori" (vote theft).