New Delhi: Two years after their first proper meeting, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders came together in the Capital on Monday for a conclave marked by both camaraderie and contention, as alliance partners aired long-standing grievances while reiterating the need for unity as the “electoral playing field is no longer fair”.
Sources said that Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi closed the discussion by stressing the need to further strengthen the INDIA bloc, stating that the Opposition’s fight was ultimately to defend the Constitution.
Gandhi, along with several other leaders, stated that elections were no longer being conducted on a level playing field and that Opposition parties needed to collectively confront a system that had effectively been “hijacked” by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Sources said several leaders echoed these concerns during the meeting.
Sources said Gandhi also expressed disappointment that his ‘vote chori’ campaign had not received stronger backing from some regional allies. He pointed to the Trinamool Congress’s recent electoral setback as evidence that concerns over the electoral process could no longer be taken lightly. Gandhi also said that the BJP was “not difficult to defeat” if Opposition parties worked together effectively.
The Congress and Samajwadi Party reaffirmed their commitment to contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections together. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is learnt to have highlighted the added pressure on Uttar Pradesh following Opposition setbacks in West Bengal and Bihar, while stressing the need for a stronger and more effective coalition capable of taking on the BJP.
The meeting saw several alliance partners also raise concerns about the Congress approach to regional parties. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav also raised grievances regarding coordination within the alliance. According to sources, both the Samajwadi Party and RJD flagged issues with the Congress; they were “accepted and appreciated”.
Strong reservations were also voiced by the Left parties. Ahead of the meeting, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas had flagged the party’s concerns over conduct of the Congress, particularly after senior Congress leaders accused the Left of having an understanding with the BJP during the recent Kerala election campaign.
The issue was raised again during the meeting, with Left leaders expressing disappointment over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Kerala. According to sources, Gandhi explained that those comments were made in a different political context, and reiterated that the broader objective remained defeating the BJP. Left leaders, however, pointed out that they had extended unconditional support to the Congress in the past and felt the remarks had undermined trust within the alliance.
Leaders from Maharashtra cited their state as an example of a successful coalition model and argued that INDIA bloc partners needed to strengthen coordination at every level.
Several regional parties also urged the Congress to adopt a more accommodative approach towards its allies, arguing that as the largest Opposition party it bears a greater responsibility for maintaining unity within the coalition.
The Cockroach Janata Party’s protest was also discussed during the meeting. Sources said alliance leaders were divided, with some expressing support for the agitation while others remained cautious. The issue eventually fed into the bloc’s decision to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Sources said leaders also acknowledged that the INDIA bloc still lacks a formal organisational structure. Despite differences and disagreements, there was broad agreement that the alliance remains important for a greater cause.
(Edited by Nardeep Singh Dahiya)
Also Read: Letter to CJI on SIR & education minister’s scalp over NEET: INDIA bloc’s 5-pt resolution after meet