India opposition ‘INDIA Bloc’ convenes in Delhi ahead of elections

On 8 June, the opposition coalition known as the ‘INDIA Bloc’ held a meeting at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. Around 23‑25 parties confirmed attendance, including the Indian National Congress, regional allies and left parties. Leaders such as Congress senior Jayar‑am Ramesh, Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged tighter coordination to challenge the ruling NDA government’s policies.

The gathering highlighted demands for Congress to assume a more active leadership role within the alliance and discussed strategies on issues ranging from inflation and agrarian distress to alleged attacks on democratic institutions. Some parties declined participation: the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its off‑shoot Tamil Ga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) stayed away over strained ties with Congress, while the Communist Party of India (CPI) expressed concerns over comments made during the Kerala elections. The Aam Aadmi Party also signalled its withdrawal, citing disagreements over perceived Congress‑BJP collusion at the regional level.

Overall, the meeting aimed to present a united front against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s NDA, with participants pledging coordinated action in upcoming electoral contests.