Opposition leaders from across the country gathered in New Delhi on Monday for a key INDIA bloc meeting, with alliance partners looking to iron out differences and chart a strategy for the coming years.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said representatives from 25 parties attended the meeting and that the alliance had agreed on five important decisions. He added that the opposition coalition would now meet more regularly, with Hyderabad set to host the next gathering in August.
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The meeting comes at a challenging time for the alliance, which has faced setbacks in recent state elections. Concerns over unity have also surfaced after the absence of major partners such as the DMK and the Aam Aadmi Party.
The DMK had already indicated that it would skip the meeting due to disagreements with the Congress regarding its post-poll understanding with TVK in Tamil Nadu. The absence of AAP further fuelled speculation about the strength of the opposition coalition.
Congress leader KC Venugopal said the alliance intended to discuss a range of issues, including the country’s political climate and concerns relating to democratic institutions.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the meeting despite facing political turbulence in her home state. The TMC has been under pressure since its defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, while reports of internal divisions have continued to make headlines.
The BJP, meanwhile, criticised the meeting and questioned the relevance of the opposition alliance. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde argued that repeated electoral defeats had weakened the coalition.
He also pointed to the absence of several regional parties, claiming they feared political losses if they continued to associate with the INDIA bloc.
Despite the criticism, opposition leaders appeared keen to project unity and coordination. The decision to hold more frequent meetings indicates an attempt to strengthen the alliance structure and prepare for future political battles, particularly the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
For the INDIA bloc, the Delhi meeting marked not just a discussion of current issues but also an effort to reassure supporters that the alliance remains committed to functioning as a collective political force.
