- Rahul Gandhi calls for greater unity within INDIA bloc
- Warns allies against infighting and targeting alliance partners
- Opposition to petition Chief Justice over voter list revision concerns
- INDIA bloc decides to meet every two months, next session in Hyderabad
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th June: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged constituents of the INDIA bloc to remain united in their fight against the BJP, warning alliance partners against weakening the opposition through internal conflicts and public criticism of one another.
Addressing the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi, Gandhi stressed that opposition parties must work together to defend the Constitution and counter what he described as the BJP’s political challenge.
According to sources, Gandhi told alliance partners that “united we stand, divided we fall” and cautioned them against “pulling down each other” at a time when opposition unity is crucial.
During his nearly 15-minute address, the Congress leader is learnt to have expressed disappointment over the lack of support from some alliance partners on issues such as alleged voter list manipulation. He also reportedly criticised parties that frequently target the Congress despite being part of the opposition alliance.
Sources indicated that the remarks were directed at certain alliance partners, including the Trinamool Congress and Left parties.
Gandhi argued that the BJP was not invincible and pointed to the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the ruling party won 240 seats, significantly lower than its 303-seat tally in 2019. He said the opposition should avoid self-inflicted setbacks through constant infighting.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision by the INDIA bloc to formally approach the Chief Justice of India over concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and alleged irregularities in voter lists.
Leaders agreed to submit a joint representation to the Chief Justice at the earliest opportunity, seeking attention to what they described as serious concerns related to electoral rolls.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also called for greater coordination among opposition parties and recalled the alliance’s united stand in Parliament.
“On April 17, 2026, we demonstrated our unity and solidarity in the Lok Sabha when we came together to defeat the Modi government’s delimitation bills. We must strengthen that spirit further to confront the political, economic, social and foreign policy challenges facing the country,” Kharge said.
The meeting was held against the backdrop of recent Assembly elections in four states. The BJP formed governments in Assam and West Bengal, while the Congress emerged victorious in Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay’s party emerged as a major political force.
The INDIA bloc, formed three years ago as a coalition of opposition parties, also decided to institutionalise regular consultations. Leaders agreed that alliance meetings would be held every two months.
The next INDIA bloc meeting is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad in August, where opposition leaders are expected to review political developments and formulate strategies for upcoming electoral battles.
