Top leaders from the INDIA alliance held a virtual meeting on July 19 to discuss their strategy for the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. However, instead of showing unity, the meeting exposed internal disagreements and coordination issues. Leaders from 24 parties joined, but the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was notably absent.

D Raja Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Left-RSS Comparison

Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja indirectly objected to Rahul Gandhi’s recent comparison of Left ideology in Kerala with the RSS. According to NDTV sources, Raja reminded the alliance that partners should avoid personal attacks, especially within a coalition.

Demand for Regular Strategy Meetings

Leaders such as Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Ram Gopal Yadav stressed the need for frequent coordination meetings. They argued that irregular talks are hurting the alliance’s planning. As a result, another meeting is likely to happen in early August.

Omar Abdullah Calls for Statehood in Jammu and Kashmir

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah requested the bloc to push for full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir during the Parliament session. His suggestion received widespread support from those present.

All leaders agreed to highlight the recent terror attack in Pahalgam as a major internal security failure under the BJP-led government.

Debate on Anti-Maoist Operations Proposed

Dipankar Bhattacharya asked the alliance to bring up the central government's handling of anti-Maoist operations. He also suggested discussing the rebels’ recent offer of a ceasefire.

TMC Questions Intelligence Failures and Pegasus Allegations

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee raised concerns over the Intelligence Bureau chief getting an extension despite the Pahalgam attack. He also alleged misuse of Pegasus spyware against Opposition leaders. Furthermore, he accused the Centre of using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process as a hidden method to implement the NRC.

The Aam Aadmi Party did not attend the meeting, raising questions about its current position within the INDIA bloc.

Congress Highlights Trump’s Ceasefire Claims

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said that Trump has claimed 24 times that he helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He criticised PM Modi for staying silent on these repeated claims.

Tiwari added that all alliance partners agreed that national security is being “compromised” under the current BJP government.

Bloc Slams SIR Exercise in Bihar

The INDIA bloc described the ongoing SIR process in Bihar as an attempt to disenfranchise voters. They called the situation similar to an “undeclared Emergency.”

In the end, the meeting revealed a mix of cooperation and discord. While the bloc agreed on key issues like national security and Jammu and Kashmir, internal tensions and AAP’s absence hinted at challenges ahead.