New Delhi/IBNS: Amid large-scale suspension of opposition MPs in both Houses of Parliament, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on Tuesday announced nationwide protests on Dec 22 as the bloc’s top leaders discussed key issues like seat sharing and strategizing for the 2024 general elections.

Holding its fourth meeting here with 28 anti-BJP political parties taking part, the bloc condemned the suspension of MPs for raising their voice of protest against the Parliament security breach.

"We have passed a resolution and condemned the suspension of MPs in both Houses which is undemocratic. We all have to fight to save democracy and all of us are ready to do that," Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, briefing the media on the deliberations.

"These MPs were raising the issue of parliament security breach and were seeking a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the House but he refused to do so," he said.

Informing about the next course of action on the issue, Kharge said, "This is the first time at least 151 MPs have been suspended from both Houses. We will fight against this and a nationwide protest will be held on December 22 against the suspension."

On seat sharing, he said all members of the INDIA bloc will work on the matter, and the issues in Delhi and Punjab will be resolved after discussions.

Responding to queries from media persons about the Prime Ministerial face of the bloc, Kharge said, "Our priority is to win the general election and then we will decide on it."

Kharge said everyone came together and spoke about strengthening the alliance. The alliance parties will raise issues related to the people's interests.

This was the first meeting of INDIA bloc members after the recent results of five state Assembly polls in which BJP won the race in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chattisgarh in the Hindi Heartland.

At the same time, the Congress managed to win in Telangana. A regional party, the Zoram Peoples Movement ascended to power in Mizoram.

The meeting was held to deliberate on various points including seat sharing, making strategy, and deciding on a joint campaign for the upcoming 2024 general elections.

Senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Nitish Kumar, and Sharad Pawar were present at the meeting.

[With UNI input]