INDIA Bloc Meeting Exposes Frictions Despite Show Of Solidarity

The INDIA bloc may have projected unity after its latest meeting, but behind the scenes, several uncomfortable questions were raised about coordination, communication and the future direction of the opposition alliance. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi urged allies to stop attacking one another and emphasised that opposition unity remains crucial in taking on the BJP. However, several leaders reportedly voiced concerns about Congress' handling of alliance partners, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav highlighting the absence of key allies such as the DMK and Aam Aadmi Party from the meeting. The Left parties also raised objections to Rahul Gandhi's past remarks regarding the CPI(M) in Kerala, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee drew attention to post-poll violence in the state and urged alliance leaders to engage more actively on the issue. Despite the differences, the opposition bloc agreed to improve coordination and hold regular meetings, with the next INDIA alliance gathering scheduled for Hyderabad in August. NDTV's Jayanth reports on the debates, disagreements and unity message that emerged from the closed-door meeting.