A conference on social justice will be held on Monday at the invitation of the leaders of numerous non-BJP parties, at a time when efforts are being made to strengthen Opposition unity.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which have so far decided to remain outside the greater umbrella of the Opposition, are among those invited, sources said on Thursday. The YSRCP, however, disputed receiving an invitation and declared it would not attend the function. The BJD also remained silent over its participation. The majority of opposition parties have said in private that the ruling parties in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha generally prefer sticking with the NDA and avoiding upsetting the BJP at the federal level.
The invitations, according to a leader of a party that will attend the conclave, were the result of the Opposition’s strategy to develop deeper ties “one step at a time.” He declared that Sasmit Patra, the BJD’s Rajya Sabha chief whip, will represent the party.
The theme of the summit is “Taking Social Justice in India Forward” on which Stalin will be the keynote speaker. At the gathering, which is being held under the auspices of the All India Federation for Social Justice, an idea that was introduced by Stalin in January, leaders of the other parties will also be given opportunities to speak.