FORMING THE FRONT

THE LATEST in the continuing efforts to bring all non-bjp parties together is an idea to launch a formal united Opposition front under the leadership of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. It was suggested that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar take charge as convenor of the group. The idea has the backing of the JD(U), but there is no concrete proposal yet, nor has any discussion been held. Some leaders also want Sonia, who has been holding one-on-one meetings with Opposition leaders over the last few days, to convene an all-party meeting to firm up plans for larger Opposition unity. They feel it would be easy for the Opposition to take a final decision on a common presidential nominee at this meeting.