An important meeting of the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) opposition coalition is being held in New Delhi on Monday amid changing political circumstances following the electoral defeats of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
The meeting, taking place at Constitution Club in Delhi, aims to strengthen coordination among opposition parties and formulate a common strategy for upcoming elections. Twenty-three political parties have confirmed their participation. However, the DMK and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are unlikely to attend. Speculation over the possible entry of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), considered an emerging force in Tamil Nadu politics, has also intensified political discussions.
Several senior opposition leaders are expected to attend the meeting, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said that 23 parties have confirmed their participation and that the alliance remains united on national issues despite its political diversity. According to him, some parties are unable to attend this particular meeting for their own reasons.
Ahead of the meeting, political differences within the alliance have also come into focus. The Aam Aadmi Party has already publicly distanced itself from the INDIA alliance, while the DMK has decided not to participate in the meeting. Political analysts believe that changing alliance equations in various states and regional interests are influencing national opposition politics as well.
Meanwhile, discussions about the possible inclusion of TVK have created fresh political possibilities in southern India, although an official announcement is still awaited.
According to sources, the meeting will focus on a common strategy for upcoming state assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Opposition parties may consider adopting a joint position on the policies of the central government and explore the possibility of conducting a coordinated national-level campaign. Experts believe that, following recent election results, organisational strength and coordination among opposition parties have become increasingly important.
The Trinamool Congress may raise the issue of alleged political attacks on its leaders in West Bengal during the meeting and seek support from other alliance partners. TMC leader Derek O'Brien said the meeting is being held with a shared purpose and a positive political spirit.
Differences have also emerged between Left parties and the Congress on certain issues. Discussions may take place regarding political allegations and counter-allegations exchanged between the two sides after the Kerala Assembly elections. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) may seek clarification from the Congress leadership on the matter.
