Arvind Kejriwal to Undergo 10-Day Vipassana Session on the Day of 4th INDIA Bloc Meeting

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to embark on a 10-day vipassana meditation course starting December 19, coinciding with the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc in the national capital. The undisclosed location for the meditation retreat will provide Kejriwal the opportunity to observe the ancient Indian meditation technique, which involves complete abstinence from communication, including speech and gestures, to rejuvenate mental well-being.

According to reports from unidentified officials, it remains uncertain whether Kejriwal will attend the crucial fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc, marking the first gathering after the Congress’s electoral setbacks in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Kejriwal, a dedicated practitioner of vipassana, traditionally participates in a 10-day course every year, often choosing different locations like Bengaluru and Jaipur to engage in this ancient meditation practice.

The INDIA bloc’s fourth meeting is anticipated to focus on the theme of unity, emphasizing “Main nahi, hum” (Not me, but us). Discussions during the meeting are likely to cover the topic of seat-sharing, a pivotal issue for the alliance. The partners might also explore the prospect of a joint election campaign leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the previous meeting held in Mumbai in September, coordination committees were established among the 27 alliance partners.

Seat-sharing talks had been delayed as the Congress anticipated favorable outcomes in the three states, potentially bolstering its bargaining position. However, in the absence of seat-sharing agreements, the opposition parties faced challenges in those states. The Samajwadi Party, for instance, contested 69 seats in Madhya Pradesh without any seat-sharing arrangement, resulting in an unfavorable outcome, with the party not securing a close second position on any seat and receiving fewer than 1,000 votes on 43 of the contested seats.