Floor leaders of about 18 Opposition parties met on Monday evening over dinner and decided to explore how their unity demonstrated inside Parliament can be taken to the masses through joint agitation against the Modi government by highlighting ‘dangers to democracy’. Based on suggestions of many participants, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who hosted the meeting at residence, is expected to convene a meeting of organisational leaders of the parties for further discussions on the matter.

Some participants said the meeting stressed on the need to explore maximum possible Opposition unity on the ground against the government by launching a campaign to fight against ‘dangers to democracy.’ Issues such as Hindenburg-Adani and attempt to ‘intimidate’ Opposition leaders too figured as common issues. In the meeting, some leaders were learnt to have said that while it may not be possible to ensure total unity of all parties in every state due to turf-realities, the attempt should be to maintain unity against BJP at the national level.

The meeting also saw some leaders cautioning Rahul Gandhi over his comments on VD Savarkar and advised him to keep in mind nuances and need to maintain maximum Opposition unity. NCP chief Sharad Pawar is learnt to have pointed out at the meeting that large sections in Maharashtra hold Savarkar in high esteem and certain aspects of Savarkar’s life, such as building a temple near his house and allowing Dalits to worship during age of untouchability, were admired by many people in the state. CPI leader Benoy Vishwam is learnt to have said while his party fully agreed with Rahul Gandhi’s comments on Savarkar, Gandhi should have kept in mind the bigger task of ensuring maximum Opposition unity in Maharashtra, including with the Shiv Sena (U). Vishwam said it was unfortunate Shiv Sena (U) disengaged with Opposition over Gandhi’s comments and called for efforts to ensure Thackeray‘s party continued to fight against BJP with the larger Opposition. Pawar also raised the issue of disqualification of Lakshadwwep MP Mohamad Faizal.

Some participants said Gandhi clarified that his comments on Savarkar was on ideology and said he would henceforth try to be flexible while commenting on him. Referring to his court conviction, disqualification from Lok Sabha and notice for vacating the house, Gandhi said he was not treating it as a personal issue but part of larger fight against ‘dangers posed to democracy’ by the regime. Sonia Gandhi is believed to have urged all to work for maximum possible unity against the BJP.