Ahead of Monsoon Session, INDIA bloc to hold online meeting tomorrow; TMC, AAP to skip
New Delhi, July 18 — The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will hold a virtual meeting on Saturday, July 19, at 7 PM, just two days before the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins. This online meeting is the bloc’s first major discussion since the Lok Sabha elections. The aim is to form a united front on key national issues.
The Congress party has organized the meeting to coordinate strategies on topics like Bihar’s electoral roll changes, statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, and the government’s Operation Sindoor campaign. The agenda also includes farmers’ demands and the removal of the reservation cap.
However, two important parties—Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)—are unlikely to attend.
Opposition Tries to Regroup
This meeting marks the first INDIA bloc coordination since June 2024. Congress is leading the effort to unite opposition voices for the upcoming session, which starts on July 21.
A senior Congress leader said the bloc wants to address real public concerns—such as unemployment, inflation, and farmer issues—through a joint approach in Parliament.
Parties expected to join the call include the Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), CPI, CPI(M), and JMM.
TMC Skips Due to Martyrs’ Day Rally
The Trinamool Congress will not participate in the meeting, citing preparations for its annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21. The event is one of TMC’s most important political gatherings.
A senior TMC leader said the party remains committed to democratic values and will raise national issues during the session. However, they chose to focus on the state-level event for now.
Some reports suggest that Mamata Banerjee or Abhishek Banerjee may join virtually, but the party hasn’t confirmed it officially.
AAP Confirms Exit from Alliance
Unlike TMC, the Aam Aadmi Party has completely stepped away from the INDIA bloc. AAP leaders say the alliance lacks coordination and clarity.
An AAP spokesperson confirmed the party won’t attend the meeting. He added that AAP will continue to raise its concerns independently in Parliament.
This move formalizes the growing gap between AAP and Congress. The two parties had attempted cooperation during the 2024 elections, but tensions remained.
Issues on the Table
The INDIA bloc plans to discuss several pressing matters during the virtual meet. Some of the key focus areas include:
- Caste-based census and removal of the 50% quota cap
- Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir
- Legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers
- Alleged misuse of Operation Sindoor, which some parties say targets minorities unfairly
Congress and its allies believe these issues will resonate with the public. They aim to challenge the government’s narrative with facts and regional concerns.
Why the Meeting Matters
By choosing a virtual format, Congress hopes to increase participation and avoid logistical problems. Many parties have limited travel time as they prepare for the session.
Still, the absence of TMC and AAP casts doubt on the bloc’s strength. Both parties have large voter bases in their states. Their absence reduces the alliance’s symbolic unity.
A political analyst noted that this meeting is a “test of whether INDIA can act together or remain a loose group of state-based players.”
What to Expect Next
After the meeting, the INDIA bloc may issue a joint statement. This note could outline the opposition’s shared demands and floor strategy.
Observers will watch closely to see whether the alliance can maintain discipline during the session. If coordination succeeds, INDIA may regain public trust. If not, the ruling BJP will likely benefit from the disunity.
Conclusion: INDIA bloc parties are making one more attempt to organize themselves before a crucial Parliament session. But missing members and unresolved tensions raise doubts. The coming days will reveal if the alliance can stay relevant—or drift apart further.
