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.
Also read: AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge files nomination for Rajya Sabha from Karnataka
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.
Kharge lists Delimitation bill among victories
INDIA bloc chairperson and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in his opening remarks at the meeting, also underlined what he described as the alliance’s unity in Parliament, saying opposition parties had recently come together to defeat key legislations.
He said, “On April 17, 2026, we demonstrated our unity and solidarity in the Lok Sabha in a very decisive manner, when all of us came together firmly and defeated the Modi government’s malicious bills on delimitation.”
Kharge said this collective approach must continue to address broader national challenges. “Now we must strengthen and advance that same spirit, so that we can confront the many political, economic, social, and foreign policy challenges facing the country due to the Modi government’s misgovernance,” he added, according to remarks shared by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on X.
On governance concerns, he alleged that “Due to SIR, the voting rights of millions of our people are being stripped away,” while also accusing the government of systemic misuse of institutions.
He said, “Investigative agencies are being continuously used as tools to harass, intimidate, and bully political opponents. Discrimination is being meted out against non-BJP governments.”
Kharge also flagged economic pressures, stating that “Prices of essential goods are rising relentlessly, and the economic environment is extremely negative,” and added that “Private monopolies are growing in many sectors, and the future of MSMEs is in serious crisis.”
On employment and education, he said the situation was affecting young people, adding that “Due to the complete mismanagement of the examination system, the hopes and aspirations of lakhs of our youth are being betrayed.”
He further reiterated his concerns on social and foreign policy fronts, saying, “Atrocities against the weaker sections of society, especially in BJP-ruled states, continue unabated,” and “Our foreign policy has been completely compromised, and those traditional values that India has long staunchly supported have not been upheld.”
Also read: Kharge, Khera, and Meenakshi among 7 Congress RS candidates
A fragmented INDIA bloc meets again
Samajwadi 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.
