Rare bonhomie among Opposition leaders

The grand steps of the Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday evening offered a picture of rare Opposition unity against the Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre, with several political leaders who shared much animosity coming together and sharing a few moments of bonhomie.

As H.D. Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in programme ended, all the leaders came to the front of the stage and held each other’s hands as a show of their unity.

The camaraderie between the former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati attracted much attention. Ms. Gandhi hugged Ms. Mayawati and they shared a light moment.

Ms. Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were seen waving at the crowd together.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury cordially greeting Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, and he and AICC president Rahul Gandhi holding each other’s hands and raising their arms as a symbol of unity were the other gestures that caught the eye.

Offers seat

The former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda vacated his seat for Mr. Yechury as he came late on the stage.

Mr. Gowda, who was instrumental in bringing together diverse political parties from across the country, took the lead and was seen overseeing seating arrangements, with his family in tow. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Ms. Banerjee and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav were seen having a long conversation through the function.

Congress leader in the Lok Sabha M. Mallikarjun Kharge, while talking to Ms. Mayawati seated next to him, was animatedly pointing towards the High Court building opposite the Vidhana Soudha.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal mostly kept to themselves. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar and Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav were also seen animatedly talking to Mr. Kumaraswamy.

The former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was also on the stage and was seen interacting with leaders of various parties. He, along with Mr. Kumaraswamy, was also waving at the crowd.