Opposition leaders meet to plan joint strategy ahead of monsoon session

Leaders of Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Trinamool Congess, Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, RJD, DMK, CPI(M), CPI, JD(S), RSP, IUML, and KC-M attended the meeting.

Opposition parties on Monday met to chalk out a joint strategy to corner the government on various issues during the Monsoon Session of Parliament starting July 18.

Opposition party leaders during a meeting in the Parliament Library, ahead of the Monsoon Session which begins on July 18, in New Delhi on July 16. (PTI Photo)

During the meeting, the parties held a discussion on fielding a joint opposition candidate for the post of Rajya Sabha Deputy chairman, which fell vacant after the retirement of Congress leader PJ Kurien on July 1.

Leaders of Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Trinamool Congess, Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, RJD, DMK, CPI(M), CPI, JD(S), RSP, IUML, and KC-M attended the meeting.

Among the names doing the rounds for the post include Trinamool Congress leader Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, sources said.

The sources also indicated that the post may go to the NCP.

They, however, said that the ruling NDA is keen on fielding its candidate and is seeking the support of some parties like the BJD and the AIADMK.

The name of Akali Dal leader Naresh Gujral is doing the rounds for the post from the ruling coalition.