The INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi brings together leaders from 23 opposition parties as discussions are expected to focus on coordination, electoral issues and strategy against the BJP-led NDA.

First Formal Meeting in Two Years

New Delhi: Leaders of the INDIA bloc are set to gather in the national capital on Monday for their first formal meeting in nearly two years, with representatives from 23 opposition parties expected to participate. The meeting, scheduled for noon at the Constitution Club in Delhi, comes amid efforts by opposition parties to strengthen coordination against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

While the Congress, a key constituent of the alliance, has confirmed the participation of 23 parties, it has not released an official list. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the gathering would bring together parties opposed to what he described as the Centre’s policies, referring to the alliance as “India Janbandhan” in a social media post.

Top Opposition Leaders Present

Several senior opposition figures are expected to attend, including Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Ahead of the meeting, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee arrived in Delhi and met AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday. Sources familiar with the development said the discussion lasted around 30 minutes, although neither side disclosed details of the conversation.

Notably, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and DMK are not participating in Monday’s meeting. The CPI(M), despite expressing reservations on certain issues involving Congress, has decided to attend. The participation of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) remained uncertain until shortly before the gathering.

Agenda Yet to Be Announced

Unlike previous coordination meetings, no official agenda has been circulated. Leaders from participating parties are expected to raise issues relevant to their respective states and political interests.

According to opposition sources, discussions may include strategies for presenting a united front on national issues, preparations for future elections and organisational matters within the alliance. The possibility of appointing a formal coordinator for the INDIA bloc may also come up for discussion.

The meeting is being held against the backdrop of several political developments across states, including disputes over electoral processes, law-and-order concerns and investigations involving opposition leaders.

State-Specific Concerns Likely

Different parties are expected to bring their own priorities to the table.

In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress may seek support from alliance partners regarding allegations of post-election violence targeting its workers and leaders.

For Bihar, concerns could centre on recent political developments involving the RJD leadership and issues related to security arrangements and ongoing investigations involving members of the Lalu Prasad Yadav family.

In Uttar Pradesh, where Assembly elections are due next year, opposition parties are expected to discuss maintaining momentum following their relatively improved performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Meanwhile, Left parties are likely to raise concerns specific to Kerala and national political issues. CPI general secretary D. Raja recently indicated that every constituent party has matters it wishes to place before the alliance.

Internal Differences Persist

Even as opposition parties attempt to project unity, differences among alliance partners remain visible.

The JMM recently expressed dissatisfaction after Congress announced candidates for Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand without wider consultation. Similarly, tensions between Congress and Left parties resurfaced during recent election campaigns in Kerala, where both sides exchanged sharp political criticism despite being partners at the national level.

These developments have highlighted the challenges of maintaining cohesion within a coalition comprising parties with differing regional priorities and electoral interests.

Alliance’s Electoral Record

The INDIA bloc was formed in 2023 as a broad opposition platform. Since then, it has contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election and multiple Assembly elections across the country.

In the Lok Sabha election, the alliance secured 234 seats, emerging as the principal opposition grouping. Its performance has varied across states, with alliance partners contesting together in places such as Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and Bihar, while competing separately in states including Delhi, Haryana, Kerala and West Bengal.

Political observers will closely watch whether Monday’s meeting succeeds in narrowing internal differences and establishing a clearer roadmap for opposition coordination in the years leading up to the 2029 Lok Sabha election.