Mumbai: The third meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) took place in Mumbai, with the participation of 63 leaders representing 28 opposition parties. The agenda for the meeting included finalizing the formal structure and architecture of the alliance, as well as forming a coordination committee. Additionally, the INDIA block will unveil its logo on Friday.

According to media reports, the appointment of a convenor for the INDIA alliance is anticipated to be contentious, with several leaders competing for the role, and some parties reluctant to confer leader status on any one of them. However, the Union Cabinet's decision, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to convene a special session of Parliament in mid-September is expected to dominate discussions within the INDIA front.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has labeled the special session decision as a "panic decision," which opposition leaders plan to discuss in Friday's meeting.

On Thursday night, Shiv Sena (UBT) president and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray hosted a dinner for the opposition leaders. The unveiling of INDIA's logo, originally planned for Thursday night, was postponed to Friday morning due to some leaders arriving late.

During a formal meeting held Thursday night, the agenda for Friday's meeting was discussed. This agenda includes forming a coordination committee, establishing an agenda to counter the central government at the national level, appointing spokespersons, and setting up social media and research teams. Additionally, a committee to discuss the tricky seat-sharing issue, with clear timelines, was included in the discussions.

Earlier in the day, an informal meeting was held, with attendance restricted to those who would be attending the Friday meeting. On September 1, when all party leaders meet, no leaders or workers will be allowed inside the hotel lobby. Twenty-one leaders from the tripartite MVA, with seven from each party, have been granted passes.

"Apart from those 21, only those who receive a special invite from the meeting will be allowed. No one else," stated a Congress leader who is part of the organizing committee.

Sources reveal that during the Thursday night meeting of INDIA, discussions revolved around the need to form a national coordination committee and subsequent state-level committees as soon as possible. Leaders also agreed to address the seat-sharing arrangement promptly.

Leaders such as Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee emphasized the importance of not delaying preparations, as elections could be announced earlier than scheduled.

"Lalu Prasad stressed the need to set aside egos and unite against divisive forces," noted a leader who attended the meeting. Delhi CM Arvind Kejariwal also expressed his willingness to compromise on certain seats to combat the BJP.

Earlier in the day, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, Supriya Sule, Jayant Patil, and a few other leaders met to determine the nature of the meeting.