The INDIA bloc convened a crucial virtual meeting on Saturday, July 19, 2025, to devise a unified strategy for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is scheduled to begin on July 21. Leaders from 24 opposition parties participated in the online discussions, marking the first coordinated meeting of the alliance in several weeks.

Several key issues were identified for the INDIA bloc to address during the Monsoon Session. These include the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the government's subsequent "Operation Sindoor". The opposition plans to press the government on bringing the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice.

Another significant point of contention revolves around claims made by former US President Donald Trump regarding brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The INDIA bloc intends to challenge the government's silence on these claims and demand clarity on the matter.

The Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is also set to be a major issue. Opposition leaders allege that the SIR threatens the voting rights of people in the state and have voiced strong concerns. Some leaders are alleging that the BJP and Election Commission are using the SIR as a "backdoor NRC".

In addition to these specific incidents, the INDIA bloc plans to raise broader issues such as: * The government's "failure" in foreign policy, particularly with regard to the US, China, and the situation in Gaza. * The ongoing delimitation exercise and alleged targeting of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), women, and minorities. * Rising atrocities against Dalits, tribals, women, and minorities across the country. * Concerns about India-US trade negotiations.

The Congress party has also resolved to press for debates on Jammu and Kashmir's full statehood, increasing crimes against women, the Ahmedabad air crash, rising unemployment, and farmers' distress. However, it remains unclear whether the issue of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and including Ladakh under the Constitution's Sixth Schedule was discussed during the meeting, and if there was a consensus among opposition parties on jointly pushing for these demands.

Pramod Tiwari, Congress deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, conveyed that the opposition parties expect the Prime Minister to be present in Parliament to address the issues raised. He asserted that "Parliament is more important than travelling abroad".

Several prominent leaders participated in the virtual meeting, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and representatives from various other parties such as the TMC, DMK, RJD, SP, NCP-SP, and others.

The INDIA bloc's meeting occurs shortly before the Monsoon Session, signaling a renewed effort to present a united opposition front within Parliament. The bloc aims to hold the government accountable on matters affecting citizens and convey a message of unity. It was agreed that an in-person meeting of the bloc leaders would take place soon.