Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 7: Political friction within the INDIA opposition bloc intensified on Sunday after both the DMK and the CPI(M) launched sharp criticism against the Indian National Congress, accusing it of undermining coalition unity and sidelining its partners.
The row comes at a time when cracks have become increasingly visible among INDIA bloc constituents, including the DMK, CPI(M), and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). The DMK has already opted out of the alliance’s scheduled meeting on June 8, following what it described as strained relations after the Congress’s post-election stance in Tamil Nadu. Separately, the CPI(M) has sought clarification from the Congress over remarks suggesting an understanding with the BJP during campaigning in Kerala.
In Jharkhand, tensions within the ruling alliance have also surfaced ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, with disagreements between the JMM and Congress over seat-sharing arrangements adding to the broader unease.
Speaking to reporters, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai said the party’s decision to stay away from the INDIA bloc meeting stemmed from its unwillingness to be present alongside the Congress.
He alleged that the Congress had acted opportunistically and betrayed the DMK’s trust. According to him, the party had benefited from the DMK’s efforts and cadre work before shifting its political approach, calling it “backstabbing” and arguing that DMK workers would consider participation alongside the Congress an insult.
At the same time, he noted that the DMK remains open to dialogue with other INDIA bloc partners and is willing to consider collective views aimed at public welfare and opposition unity.
From the Left’s side, senior leader Hannan Mollah said the Congress, being the largest party in the alliance, carries greater responsibility in maintaining cohesion. He argued that the leadership had failed to show the maturity required to hold a diverse coalition together.
Targeting Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Mollah said effective leadership requires inclusiveness and respect for all allies. He criticised what he described as inconsistent messaging by Congress leaders toward different partners, warning that such behaviour risks weakening the alliance’s unity.
He further stressed that sustaining a political front demands discipline, coordination, and careful communication from its leadership, adding that current conduct from the Congress, in his view, was harming the cohesion of the opposition bloc.