Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 8: The opposition INDIA bloc is set to hold a crucial meeting in New Delhi on Monday, bringing together representatives of 23 political parties in an effort to strengthen coordination, address internal differences, and chalk out a common strategy following recent assembly election setbacks.
Senior opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray are expected to attend the meeting at the Constitution Club.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said 23 parties have confirmed their participation in what he described as a meeting of the INDIA “janbandhan”, asserting that the alliance remains united despite ideological and regional differences. He added that some parties unable to attend had nevertheless reaffirmed their opposition to the policies of the Narendra Modi-led government.
While the DMK and Aam Aadmi Party are unlikely to participate, efforts are reportedly underway to bring Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam into the alliance fold.
The meeting assumes significance as the opposition alliance seeks to recalibrate its political strategy after recent state election results. Leaders are expected to discuss preparations for upcoming state polls and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections while presenting a united front against the BJP-led NDA.
The agenda is also likely to include discussions on electoral reforms, alleged misuse of central investigative agencies, rising prices, unemployment and broader economic concerns. The TMC is expected to raise the issue of alleged attacks on its leaders in West Bengal and seek support from other alliance partners.
At the same time, the gathering is expected to reflect unresolved tensions within the alliance. The CPI(M) is likely to seek clarification from the Congress over allegations that Left parties had an understanding with the BJP during the Kerala Assembly elections. CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby has written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, stating that such accusations run contrary to the spirit of cooperation underpinning the opposition alliance.
CPI general secretary D Raja said the formal INDIA bloc meeting is taking place after a long gap and that Left parties would place their concerns before alliance partners.
The BJP has meanwhile questioned the cohesion of the opposition grouping. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said differences among alliance partners exposed a lack of unity and common direction.
The meeting marks the first official gathering of the INDIA bloc since June 2024, when alliance leaders met ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Opposition leaders had also assembled informally in August 2025 during a strategy dinner hosted by Rahul Gandhi, where concerns relating to electoral processes, including voter roll revisions in Bihar, were discussed.
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the meeting was essential to strengthen cooperation among parties committed to protecting the Constitution and addressing issues such as inflation and public welfare.
Formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance brings together a wide spectrum of opposition parties seeking to jointly challenge the BJP-led NDA at the national level. Monday’s meeting is being viewed as a key test of the alliance’s ability to maintain unity and build momentum ahead of future electoral contests.