SP, BSP to skip Cong-led oppn meeting, AAP not invited yet

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will stay away from the meeting of opposition parties called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi to discuss Centre's response to the coronavirus pandemic on Friday.
Sources said SP and BSP were extended invitations to join the discussion on the raging issue but "they have expressed regret". Both the UP outfits have generally steered clear of big opposition gatherings though their representatives do attend discussions that the opposition calls on floor coordination in Parliament.
Interestingly, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), it is learnt, was not invited. The Delhi outfit fought a bitter battle with BJP in state polls but has since been warm towards the central government.
While absence of SP and BSP will continue to be a spoiler in opposition unity, Shiv Sena supremo and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray will participate in the meeting. It will be his first appearance in a formal opposition brainstorming.
Sources said the discussions are likely to focus on the government's handling of the pandemic, migrant crisis and the economic situation, including the Centre's help to states and relief package.