Leaders of the INDIA bloc are scheduled to meet virtually on July 19, 2025, to discuss the current political landscape and coordinate their strategy for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. This meeting, the first in over a year since the Lok Sabha elections, aims to address key issues and ensure a unified opposition front.
The virtual meeting will likely focus on strategizing for the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which commences on July 21, 2025. Expected to be a period of intense debate between the ruling BJP and the opposition, the session will likely see the INDIA bloc raising concerns on several critical issues. These include the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the Pahalgam terror attack, and demands for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Other potential topics include rising atrocities against women, farmers' problems, unemployment, national security, and the Ahmedabad air crash.
The meeting also serves as a platform to address the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, particularly significant with the state assembly elections approaching in October-November. The opposition is likely to voice concerns and seek clarifications on the matter.
Coordination and unity within the INDIA bloc have been a recurring theme, especially after the Lok Sabha election results. The meeting provides an opportunity to strengthen the alliance and address any emerging differences. Despite some challenges and occasional disagreements, the INDIA bloc aims to present a united front on crucial issues. While some key leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal may not attend, efforts are being made to ensure broad representation and participation. Rahul Gandhi has reportedly reached out to leaders like MK Stalin to encourage participation.
Past meetings of the INDIA bloc have focused on seat-sharing arrangements and strategies for upcoming elections. While formal talks on seat sharing for the Bihar assembly elections are yet to occur, the alliance is determined to work together. The parties have previously agreed to field joint candidates against the BJP wherever possible and to initiate seat-sharing arrangements promptly.
The upcoming Monsoon Session is expected to be stormy, with the opposition likely to question the government on various fronts. Besides the electoral roll revisions, the INDIA bloc may also seek answers on issues such as "Operation Sindoor" and claims regarding US-brokered ceasefires between India and Pakistan. The Congress party has already held internal meetings to strategize and identify key issues to raise during the session. The INDIA bloc's ability to coordinate effectively and present a united front will be crucial in holding the government accountable and shaping the political discourse in the coming weeks.
