INDIA bloc formed to counter Modi's popularity, says MoS SP Singh Baghel
Synopsis
MoS SP Singh Baghel has called the INDIA alliance a temporary, ideology-free coalition built solely to counter PM Modi's electoral dominance — invoking Chanakya to make the case. Speaking at the Khelo Chandigarh Games, he also defended the government's record on sports, examination integrity, and zero tolerance for political violence.
Key Takeaways
MoS SP Singh Baghel described the INDIA alliance as a temporary coalition formed to counter PM Modi 's popularity, not on shared ideology.
He invoked strategist Chanakya to argue that rival alliances inevitably form against immensely popular rulers.
Baghel credited the Khelo India initiative with making sports a national priority and reducing youth crime and drug abuse.
On the attack against Abhishek Banerjee , he said there is 'no place for violence in democracy' and noted swift arrests were made.
He pledged strict action against those involved in national examination paper leaks , calling for complete transparency in all future exams.
Union Minister of State SP Singh Baghel on 1 June said the opposition's INDIA alliance was not built on shared ideology but was a temporary coalition assembled specifically to counter Prime Minister Narendra Modi's electoral dominance. Baghel made the remarks on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Khelo Chandigarh Games, organised by the Chandigarh Sports Cell, where he also addressed sports policy, examination integrity, and political violence.
On the INDIA Alliance
Invoking the ancient strategist Chanakya, Baghel argued that rival coalitions historically form when a ruler becomes immensely popular, driven by the logic that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' He described the INDIA bloc as a political arrangement stitched together to withstand what he called 'the electoral flood of Prime Minister Modi's popularity.' He added that once such political conditions change, constituent parties typically return to their separate paths — a pattern he said history has repeatedly demonstrated.
Sports as a Tool for Social Change
Baghel credited the Khelo India initiative with transforming the national narrative around sports, calling PM Modi 'the first leader in the country's history to champion sports as a national priority.' He argued that sports have historically served as a social equaliser — breaking caste barriers on playing fields long before formal policy did — and that today, athletes can attain the same social standing once reserved for those with formal education. He also noted a direct link between sporting culture and reduced local crime and drug abuse among youth.
On Violence Against Abhishek Banerjee
Asked about the physical attack on Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, Baghel stated there is 'no place for violence in a civilised and functioning democracy.' He acknowledged that the state's Chief Minister had taken swift administrative action and that those found guilty had been arrested. He did not assign political blame but reiterated that democratic systems have historically punished those who resort to violence.
On Examination Paper Leaks
On the issue of national competitive examination malpractices and paper leaks, Baghel said the Union government is 'fully committed to conducting all future examinations with integrity, fairness and systemic transparency.' He warned that strict and exemplary action would be taken against any individual, official, or organised entity found involved in such malpractices. The remarks come amid widespread student anxiety over the integrity of high-stakes national exams.
Baghel's comments at the Chandigarh event reflect the ruling party's dual messaging ahead of upcoming electoral cycles — defending the government's governance record while framing the opposition as an ideologically hollow arrangement.
Point of View
Sidestepping any policy critique. The claim that INDIA bloc parties will splinter once Modi's 'flood' recedes is an assertion, not a forecast, and it has been made before elections, not after. On examination integrity, the minister's language was firm but offered no new mechanism or timeline — a pattern that has characterised the government's response to the paper-leak crisis. The Khelo India pivot, while genuine in impact, also serves to insulate the administration from accountability on other fronts. The real test of Baghel's confidence in the BJP's position will be visible in state election results, not press interactions.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did MoS SP Singh Baghel say about the INDIA alliance?
Baghel said the INDIA alliance was not formed on shared ideology but was a temporary coalition assembled to counter PM Modi's electoral popularity. He invoked Chanakya's principle of 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' to explain the bloc's formation, predicting it would dissolve once political conditions change.
Where did SP Singh Baghel make these remarks?
He made the remarks on 1 June on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Khelo Chandigarh Games, an event organised by the Chandigarh Sports Cell.
What did Baghel say about the attack on Abhishek Banerjee?
Baghel said there is no place for violence in a functioning democracy. He noted that the state's Chief Minister had taken swift administrative action and that those found guilty of the assault had been arrested.
What is the government's position on national examination paper leaks?
Baghel said the Union government is fully committed to conducting all future examinations with integrity and systemic transparency. He warned that strict and exemplary action would be taken against anyone — individual, official, or organised entity — found involved in examination malpractices.
What is the Khelo India initiative?
Khelo India is the Union government's flagship sports promotion programme aimed at developing grassroots athletic talent across India. Baghel credited it with elevating sports to a national priority and linking sporting culture to reductions in youth crime and drug abuse at the community level.
