The INDIA bloc will write to the Chief Justice of India, flagging concerns over the special intensive revision (SIR) and the alleged ‘vote loot’. It also demanded the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that he had “presided over the betrayal of lakhs of youth who appeared for NEET and CBSE exams”.

The Opposition bloc further called on the Union government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the “current critical economic situation”.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, fresh from her party’s defeat in the recent Assembly election, detailed her allegations that the mandate had been stolen, and spoke of the post-poll violence. 

CJP warns of nationwide agitation if Education Minister Pradhan not removed in seven days

Parties attack Cong.

The Congress, which J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described as the “glue” holding the bloc together, also came under criticism for unceremoniously parting ways with the DMK after the Tamil Nadu election. The Left parties questioned the Congress’s aggressive campaign against the Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala, particularly with allegations that it was colluding with the BJP. Several leaders also referred to the recent youth protest at Jantar Mantar under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party, asking whether it also reflected a growing disillusionment with the Opposition.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge opened the meeting by underlining the Opposition’s united pushback against the now-aborted delimitation legislation. “We demonstrated our solidarity and unity very decisively on April 17, 2026, in the Lok Sabha when we united to defeat the Modi government’s mischievous Bills on delimitation,” he said, adding that the alliance must build on that coordination.

According to sources, the DMK will also be brought on board to sign the joint letter. 

U.P. poll is crucial, says Akhilesh

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav cautioned that after the setbacks in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, defeating the BJP in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election early next year would be crucial. While acknowledging the Congress’s pan-India presence, he urged it to be “large-hearted” and allow dominant regional parties to take the lead wherever appropriate. According to sources, he also flagged the earlier exit of Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar, suggesting that the outcome of the 2024 general election might have differed had he stayed.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav echoed the criticism, saying that despite warnings about possible cross-voting by Congress MLAs in the recent Rajya Sabha election in Bihar, no action had been taken.

Left confronts Rahul

CPI(M) leader John Brittas said Rahul Gandhi, as the face of the INDIA bloc, should have refrained from making unsubstantiated allegations against the Kerala government during the Assembly campaign. He added that the Left had stood by the Congress when the BJP used Central agencies against Opposition parties.

CPI general secretary D. Raja supported these remarks, questioning Mr. Gandhi’s statement that the “Left is not left in Kerala”. Mr. Gandhi responded that he was stating facts. A brief but tense exchange followed.

Next meeting in Aug.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya called for a more concrete organisational structure. While Mr. Thackeray said the alliance needed a face and a convener, Mr. Bhattacharya described it as an “idea” that must evolve into an “identity”. Addressing this, Mr. Kharge said the bloc would meet every two months, with the next meeting scheduled in Hyderabad in August. Mr. Kharge also said that daily morning meetings during the Parliament sessions will continue. 

Mr. Bhattacharya, Mr. Thackeray, All India Forward Bloc general secretary G. Devarajan and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also referred to the Gen Z protests under the Cockroach Janata Party banner, stressing the need to respond. Mr. Thackeray said the mobilisation of youth at Jantar Mantar could reflect the disillusionment with the Opposition, for failing to raise these issues.

Both Mr. Devarajan and Mr. Bhattacharya insisted that the bloc take up livelihood issues. Mr. Bhattacharya pointed out that the Opposition’s communication had a significant lag, citing the example of its narrative on SIR in Bihar, where he said, when the Opposition was talking about SIR, the voters were already talking of post-SIR problems. 

The meeting was convened at the insistence of Ms. Banerjee, who sought to project unity after the Bengal defeat. Several leaders expressed solidarity with her, endorsing her claim that the mandate had been “stolen”. She also spoke about post-poll violence and alleged interference by the Election Commission and the Central Armed Police Forces in the electoral process. Calling for a more aggressive response, she invoked Indira Gandhi’s post-1977 outreach in Belchi and urged leaders to visit Bengal. The suggestion, however, did not find favour; instead, leaders chose to focus on writing to the Chief Justice on electoral irregularities.

Mr. Gandhi, speaking at the end, said he “welcomes all the criticism with a smile” and assured that the Congress, as the largest party in the bloc, would work with “love and affection” to keep the alliance united.