NEW DELHI: Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc are set to convene in New Delhi on Monday for what will be the alliance's first major gathering after recent Assembly election setbacks for some of its key constituents and amid growing strains within the coalition.
23 Parties Confirm Participation
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh announced on Sunday that 23 political parties have confirmed their participation in the INDIA bloc meeting at the Constitution Club in Delhi. "23 political parties have confirmed participation in the INDIA janbandhan meeting at Constitution Club, New Delhi on Monday June 8, 2026, at 12 noon," Ramesh said in a post on X. He added, "Like India, the INDIA janbandhan continues to stand united through its diversity."
Trinamool Congress Shows Strong Support
The All India Trinamool Congress signaled robust backing for the meeting, with party chief Mamata Banerjee departing for Delhi on Sunday to attend the gathering, according to news agency ANI. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien responded to Ramesh's post by stating, "Meeting with a common purpose and clear intent. INDIA united. Many parties look forward to meeting in the spirit of camaraderie." Leaders expected to participate include Mamata Banerjee, party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, as per PTI.
Key Issues Likely on Agenda
While the formal agenda has not been announced, Ramesh emphasized that opposition parties remain united in opposing certain issues. He accused the Centre of "snatching away the right to vote for millions of Indians," "assaulting the Constitution daily," targeting opposition leaders through investigative agencies, hurting livelihoods, fueling inflation, and compromising national interests through its foreign policy.
DMK and AAP Likely to Skip
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of visible tensions. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is unlikely to attend after accusing Congress of "betrayal" in Tamil Nadu. The fallout stems from Congress extending support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam after the Assembly elections, despite contesting as part of the DMK-led alliance. DMK announced it would boycott the Delhi meeting, stating its cadres remain deeply hurt. The Aam Aadmi Party is also unlikely to participate, according to PTI.
CPI(M)-Congress Friction Likely to Surface
Another key issue is the dispute between Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) over remarks made during the Kerala Assembly election campaign. CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby wrote to Kharge seeking clarification over repeated allegations by Congress leaders that the CPI(M) had an understanding with the BJP in Kerala. The letter argued such accusations are inconsistent with the spirit of the INDIA bloc and questioned whether calls by Congress leaders for investigations against former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan undermine opposition unity. Despite objections, CPI(M) has decided to participate and will be represented by Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, who is expected to raise the issue during discussions.
BJP Attacks Opposition Unity
The BJP has used the run-up to the meeting to question the cohesion of the opposition alliance. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed the alliance had "no mission, no vision, only confusion," while Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi alleged "infighting and confusion" among opposition parties. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari dismissed the criticism and urged observers to wait for the outcome before drawing conclusions.
With 23 parties confirming attendance and several fault lines visible, Monday's gathering is expected to test the INDIA bloc's ability to maintain a united front against the BJP while managing growing differences among its constituent partners.
