In a significant display of unity, top leaders of the INDIA bloc convened at a dinner meeting hosted by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, August 7, 2025, resolving to mount a united opposition against what they perceive as the manipulation of electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission. This was the first physical meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders since they last met in June 2024, shortly after the Lok Sabha elections.

Nearly 50 leaders representing over 25 parties attended the high-profile dinner at Rahul Gandhi's residence in New Delhi. The gathering served as a strategic forum for opposition leaders to coordinate their responses and solidify their stance on issues that they believe threaten democratic integrity.

A central focus of the meeting was the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway in Bihar. Opposition leaders voiced concerns that the exercise could lead to widespread disenfranchisement, particularly among marginalized communities and minorities. CPI General Secretary D Raja described the meeting as "very meaningful," emphasizing concerns regarding voter identity, manipulation of electoral rolls, and a perceived lack of transparency on the part of the Election Commission.

Rahul Gandhi presented a detailed analysis, titled "Democracy Destroyed," alleging booth-level electoral fraud. The presentation, which Gandhi also shared at a press conference, focused on alleged irregularities in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment of the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency, claiming that over 100,250 fake votes were created. He directly accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to manufacture a victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Following the meeting, the INDIA bloc is expected to intensify its campaign against the Election Commission, with reports of a planned protest march to the EC headquarters in Delhi. The bloc has demonstrated unity in Parliament and the dinner further cemented that momentum. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi described the meeting as "positive," noting it as "another sign of the opposition's resolve to fight for democratic accountability".

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav briefed the leaders on the SIR in Bihar, alleging a "fraud" in the state and invited coalition leaders to Bihar for the conclusion of a protest program organized by the INDIA bloc. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah raised the issue of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and criticized the ban on books in the state.

The dinner meeting and the planned march to the Election Commission signal a renewed effort by the INDIA bloc to present a united front and actively challenge the ruling government on issues of electoral integrity and democratic principles.