New Delhi: Twenty-three political parties will attend the INDIA bloc meeting at the Constitution Club in the national capital on Monday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, asserting that the opposition alliance remains united despite some constituents choosing to stay away.
Ramesh said the parties skipping the meeting had their “respective reasons” but remained opposed to the Centre’s policies. He accused the Modi government of attacking the Constitution, targeting opposition leaders through investigative agencies, fuelling inflation, hurting livelihoods and weakening the investment climate.
The meeting comes amid growing differences within the opposition grouping. The DMK has decided not to attend, citing its disagreement with the Congress over the latter’s decision to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam after the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The Congress had contested the polls as part of the DMK-led alliance and won five seats.
Despite opting out, the DMK said it would continue to raise issues concerning national welfare that may be taken up by other parties at the meeting.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee left for Delhi on Sunday to attend the meeting, accompanied by party leaders Dola Sen and Kalyan Banerjee. The meeting comes at a critical juncture for the TMC following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections and a rebellion by 58 MLAs backing expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee. Reports have also suggested that several Lok Sabha MPs may break away from the party.
The CPI(M) has also raised concerns over the Congress’s campaign during the Keralam Assembly elections. CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking clarification over allegations that his party had reached an understanding with the BJP. However, the CPI(M) has decided to send MP John Brittas to the meeting.
The discussions are expected to test whether the opposition alliance can bridge its internal differences while presenting a united front against the BJP.
