New Delhi — Opposition leaders from across the country will meet in the capital on Monday as the INDIA bloc convenes to reframe strategy, repair internal rifts and project unity after recent assembly-election setbacks.
Representatives from 23 parties are expected at the Constitution Club, with likely attendees including Congress figures Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC’s Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, as reported by India Today.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said 23 parties have confirmed participation and described the gathering as a meeting of the “INDIA janbandhan,” adding that some parties unable to attend have reiterated their opposition to the Modi government’s policies.
Coordinated Strategy
The meeting comes after shifting political dynamics following recent state polls. Delegates are expected to craft a coordinated plan for the impending state contests and begin laying groundwork for the 2029 Lok Sabha campaign, while taking up issues such as electoral reforms, alleged misuse of investigative agencies, and economic pressures like inflation and unemployment. The DMK and AAP are unlikely to attend; organisers are looking to bring Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) into the alliance.
TMC Agenda & Left Concerns
TMC leaders are expected to push the alliance to publicly condemn what they describe as attacks on party workers and leaders in West Bengal and to secure visible support from other opposition parties. At the same time, Left outfits plan to press the Congress over allegations that they struck an understanding with the BJP in Kerala; CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby has written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking clarification, and CPI general secretary D Raja said the Left will formally raise these concerns during the meeting, seeking assurances about trust and coordination within the bloc.
BJP Reaction
The BJP has seized on the developments to question the opposition’s unity, with party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla saying the visible disagreements among INDIA partners reveal a lack of cohesion and a clear common direction.
First Formal Meeting Since 2024
The INDIA alliance was formed before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to unite opposition parties against the BJP-led NDA. Monday’s meeting — the first formal get-together since June 2024 and after an informal strategy dinner in August 2025 — will be watched to see if the partners can settle differences, revive momentum for state elections and better coordinate for electoral contests ahead.
