Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday launched a sharp attack on Centre during an INDIA bloc meeting, alleging that India s foreign policy has been severely compromised and that crores are
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday launched a sharp attack on Centre during an INDIA bloc meeting, alleging that India’s foreign policy has been “severely compromised” and that “crores are being deprived of voting rights” due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Kharge also alleged that atrocities against weaker sections of society, particularly in BJP-ruled states, continue “unchecked”, sharpening his criticism of the government’s governance record.Raising concerns over India’s global positioning, Kharge said that “traditional values that India long championed are not being upheld” under the current administration.The Congress chief also targeted the ruling dispensation over social justice concerns, alleging continued atrocities against weaker sections, particularly in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party.During the meeting, Opposition leaders stressed the need to safeguard democratic values and address livelihood concerns against the backdrop of emerging differences among some of its constituents.Leaders arriving at the meeting at the Constitution Club indicated that discussions on contentious issues were expected during the deliberations, even as they emphasised unity on broader political priorities.A fragmented INDIA bloc meets againSamajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said decisions on the agenda would be taken collectively by alliance partners during the meeting. “We will decide the agenda in the meeting,” he told reporters, adding that efforts would be made to move towards a “bandhu rashtra” and stressing the importance of safeguarding democratic values.RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also declined to comment on possible outcomes, saying details would emerge after discussions among alliance partners.CPI general secretary D. Raja said the meeting was significant as it was being held after a considerable gap and at a time when constituent parties had several issues requiring discussion. He said there was “no particular agenda”, but added that Left parties had concerns relating to the livelihood of people and broader national issues.Recalling the formation of the alliance with the call of “BJP Hatao, Desh Bachao”, Raja said the meeting would focus on how constituent parties could work together with mutual trust and mutual respect, while prioritising issues concerning ordinary citizens. He also flagged concerns raised by some partners about conduct in certain states and said opposition leaders should avoid actions that deepen mistrust within the coalition.The meeting comes amid visible strains within the opposition alliance, including differences between some constituents over past political remarks and campaign statements.In a recent letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby objected to statements made by Congress leaders, including Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, during the Kerala election campaign, where they had accused the Left party of colluding with the BJP. The CPI(M) has maintained that such public attacks among constituents undermine opposition unity and weaken collective efforts against the ruling party.The alliance meeting is also being held without participation from the DMK, which has accused the Congress of “betrayal” in Tamil Nadu, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has already exited the INDIA bloc, is also not attending the deliberations.