INDIA Bloc Meeting Sees Criticism of Congress Over Coordination, DMK Exit Concerns

Tensions surfaced within the opposition INDIA bloc on Monday as several alliance partners criticised the Congress over alleged coordination failures and strained ties with regional constituents, including the absence of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) from a crucial meeting of the alliance. The meeting, convened to strengthen unity among opposition parties, instead witnessed sharp exchanges over what leaders described as the Congress’s inconsistent approach to managing relations with its partners. Parties including the Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), National Conference (NC), and Left parties reportedly raised concerns about the functioning of the alliance and the lack of cohesive strategy.

A major point of contention was the DMK’s boycott of the meeting. The Tamil Nadu-based party reportedly stayed away citing dissatisfaction among its cadres over what it termed “betrayal” by the Congress after recent political developments involving the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the state. Its absence triggered questions from multiple leaders about the alliance’s internal coherence and future direction. According to sources present at the meeting, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the Congress during the discussions. Invited to speak first by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Yadav reportedly urged the party, as the largest constituent of the bloc, to adopt a more “magnanimous” approach in dealing with allies and to demonstrate greater organisational flexibility.

Yadav also emphasised that there had been a prior understanding among INDIA bloc partners that regional parties with strong local presence would be supported rather than directly challenged by the Congress in their respective states. He suggested that adherence to this principle was essential to maintaining unity within the coalition. In a broader remark on alliance discipline, Akhilesh Yadav also called for a consistent national position on key political issues, particularly the alleged misuse of central investigative agencies by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He warned against differing stances by alliance partners across states, saying such inconsistencies weaken the bloc’s collective message.

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Sources further indicated that Yadav made a veiled reference to instances where the Congress has been seen criticising other opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party and Left formations, in certain state-level contests. He stressed that the alliance must present a unified front “from Kashmir to Kanyakumari,” particularly on issues concerning federalism and institutional accountability. The meeting reportedly concluded with calls for improved coordination mechanisms and clearer communication among INDIA bloc constituents. However, the visible friction, especially over the DMK’s absence and broader strategic disagreements, underscored continuing challenges in maintaining unity within the opposition alliance ahead of upcoming political battles.

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