INDIA Bloc to Hold Key Meeting in Delhi as 23 Parties Confirm Participation, Congress Says Alliance Remains United
Congress asserts unity within the INDIA bloc ahead of a crucial meeting, even as some parties skip the gathering over internal differences.
The Congress party has announced that 23 political parties will take part in the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting scheduled for Monday at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. The party emphasized that the opposition alliance continues to remain united despite differences among its members.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh confirmed in a post on social media platform X that the meeting, referred to as the INDIA janbandhan gathering, will be held on June 8, 2026, at 12 noon. He noted that while a majority of parties are attending, a few have opted out due to their own internal reasons.
In his statement, Ramesh said several parties that are not attending have still expressed strong opposition to the policies of the central government. He listed concerns including alleged attacks on democratic institutions, misuse of investigative agencies, rising prices, economic pressures on households, challenges faced by youth, and issues related to foreign policy direction.
He added that despite these differences in participation, the INDIA alliance continues to stand together through its diversity.
TMC MP Derek O’Brien also reacted to the development, saying the meeting reflects a shared purpose and intent among opposition parties and highlighting the spirit of cooperation within the alliance.
However, the meeting is taking place at a time when internal tensions within the bloc are visible. The DMK has decided to skip the meeting, citing dissatisfaction with the Congress over political issues in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, the CPI M has expressed concern over remarks made by some Congress leaders suggesting an understanding between the CPI M and the BJP in Kerala. CPI M general secretary M A Baby has reportedly written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking clarification on the matter.
The Aam Aadmi Party has already distanced itself from the alliance, adding to the uncertainty over complete coordination within the bloc.
Despite these developments, the meeting is expected to focus on shaping a joint strategy ahead of the 2029 general elections. The alliance is also likely to discuss ways to coordinate on key national issues and strengthen opposition unity following recent assembly election setbacks in some states.
Earlier, INDIA bloc leaders have also held similar meetings ahead of parliamentary sessions to coordinate their positions on legislative matters and government policies.