The plan for a "grand Opposition alliance" got a big push on Friday when members of an anti-BJP axis unanimously approved the idea of a "mahagatbandhan", especially in UP, to take on the saffron camp. The members were gathered at a lunch hosted by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi,
The meeting called to discuss the presidential poll saw a more animated discussion on the need to join forces as arch-rivals like SP and BSP and Trinamool and Left appeared in step over a grand alliance.

The lunch was attended by BSP chief Mayawati, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and RJD leader Lalu Prasad. Mayawati, Mamata and Lalu cited the urgency for opposition unity. They said the need to put up a combined fight stemmed from BJP's attempt to silence rivals through the use of central agencies and policies that are leading to oppression of weaker sections. 
Lalu Prasad framed the unity effort in the specific context of UP. His contention was that a joint platform of SP, BSP and Congress would win 70 Lok Sabha seats. However, Mamata and some others amplified the need for total unity. 
Dismissing the notion that she preferred to play solo, BSP chief Mayawati said, "I am 100% with you." With SP chief Akhilesh Yadav by his side, senior leader Ram Gopal Yadav endorsed Mayawati. 
Though the UP players did not refer to the idea of a state-specific alliance and only addressed it in generic terms of larger opposition unity, Akhilesh and Mayawati have already made public statements in favour of a "grand alliance" after their defeat in recent polls at the hands of BJP.
CPM chief Sitaram Yechury called for an ideological fight against the RSS-BJP.