What Key Issues Did the INDIA Bloc Unite On Ahead of the Monsoon Session?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Consensus on national security concerns.
- Criticism of the government's foreign policy.
- Call for accountability from Prime Minister Modi.
- Concern over electoral integrity in Bihar.
- Emphasis on social justice issues.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) saw a gathering of 24 members on Saturday, who reached a consensus on crucial topics to be discussed in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament starting Monday.
A virtual conference of the INDIA coalition was convened today, featuring leaders and representatives from 24 political parties. Notable attendees included Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray.
In a briefing to the press, senior Congress figure and party Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari noted that there was a strong consensus regarding concerns over national security, which they believe has been compromised under the BJP administration.
Tiwari revealed that the INDIA Bloc members expressed significant worry over the government's inability to apprehend those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack.
He highlighted that nearly three months post-attack, there remains no lead on the terrorists' whereabouts.
The members also reacted to the repeated statements made by US President Donald Trump, who claims to have mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Tiwari remarked that Trump has reiterated this claim 24 times, while Prime Minister Modi has not addressed it.
Concerns were also raised about perceived threats to democracy in Bihar due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of votes, where voter deletions appear biased towards the BJP.
Members felt an undeclared emergency exists, leading to the removal of voters' names from electoral rolls.
The INDIA Bloc leaders criticized the government's foreign policy failures regarding Pakistan, China, and Gaza and asserted that Prime Minister Modi must be present to address these concerns when they arise in debates.
Additionally, issues such as delimitation, abuses against SCs, STs, women, and minorities were highlighted.
Tiwari noted that there would be room for other regional issues to be discussed during the session.
A physical meeting of the INDIA Bloc members is also anticipated soon.
He concluded that Saturday’s meeting fostered an open and friendly atmosphere where members shared their perspectives on various topics.
Participating parties in the meeting included Congress, DMK, TMC, Samajwadi Party, RJD, NCP, Shiv Sena, CPM, CPI, National Conference, PDP, CPI-ML, JMM, IUML, KC(M), MDMK, VCK, RSP, KC(J), KMDK, AIFB, MMK, PWP, and RLP.