New Delhi: Senior leaders of several parties belonging to the INDIA opposition bloc met at the Constitution Club in New Delhi on Monday and reiterated the need for unity amid emerging differences among some alliance partners.
The meeting brought together key opposition figures, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge from the Congress, Mamata Banerjee from the Trinamool Congress, Akhilesh Yadav from the Samajwadi Party, Tejashwi Yadav from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Omar Abdullah from the National Conference and Mehbooba Mufti from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Leaders from Left parties also attended the discussions. Among those present were NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, CPI(M) MP John Brittas and CPI leader D Raja. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray joined the meeting virtually.
During the discussions, opposition leaders emphasised the importance of protecting democratic institutions and addressing issues related to livelihoods, employment and public welfare. Participants also underlined the need to maintain coordination among alliance partners and strengthen collective efforts on national issues.
Sources said parties that were part of the original INDIA alliance and currently have representation in Parliament were invited to the meeting.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of recent political developments and discussions within the opposition camp over future strategy. Leaders are understood to have reviewed the alliance’s organisational structure and explored ways to improve coordination ahead of upcoming political contests.
However, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which have chosen to distance themselves from the alliance framework, were not part of the discussions. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was also absent from the meeting.
Opposition leaders are expected to continue consultations in the coming weeks as they seek to build consensus on key political and policy issues while presenting a united front on matters of national importance.
