INDIA Bloc Leaders Meet to Strengthen Unity, Rework Strategy Against BJP

NEW DELHI, June 8: Senior leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc on Monday met in the national capital to discuss ways to strengthen unity, redraw political strategy and present a coordinated challenge to the BJP ahead of upcoming state elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

The meeting at the Constitution Club was attended by Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and senior leaders of Left parties.

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, CPI(M) leader John Brittas, CPI general secretary D. Raja and representatives of several smaller parties also participated in the deliberations.

Leaders of 23 political parties are expected to attend the meeting, which is aimed at forging a united opposition front amid recent electoral setbacks for some regional parties and the BJP’s growing political strength in several states.

The gathering marks the first major meeting of top INDIA bloc leaders since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Since then, opposition parties have largely coordinated through consultations ahead of Parliament sessions to discuss floor strategy and common issues against the Centre.

The discussions come against the backdrop of political developments within the alliance, including the exit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the DMK’s decision to stay away from the meeting. The DMK had announced its boycott after the Congress ended its alliance with the party in Tamil Nadu and joined the TVK-led government.

The recent assembly election results have also highlighted differences within the opposition camp. The Trinamool Congress is expected to raise concerns over alleged attacks on its leaders in West Bengal, while Left parties are likely to discuss their differences with the Congress following the Kerala Assembly elections.

The INDIA bloc, formally known as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, was formed by more than 25 opposition parties to challenge the BJP at the national level. Its last official meeting was held in New Delhi on June 1, 2024, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. (Agencies)