New Delhi
Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has called for the dissolution of the I.N.D.I.A alliance, citing its inactivity and lack of direction since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Speaking on Thursday, Abdullah stated that the coalition was formed specifically for the general elections and has served its purpose. “There has been no meeting after the elections. The alliance has neither an agenda nor leadership,” he remarked.
Abdullah distanced himself from the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, stating that his party has no stake in the capital’s political landscape. “Parties contesting in Delhi should decide the best way to counter the BJP,” he added.
Contrasting Views from National Conference
In contrast, Abdullah’s father and National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah, affirmed his support for the I.N.D.I.A alliance. “We are not aligned with the BJP and have no connection with them. The I.N.D.I.A bloc is permanent, meant to endure beyond daily political events,” he stated.
I.N.D.I.A Alliance: A History of Meetings
The I.N.D.I.A bloc last convened on June 1, 2024. Since then, state elections have taken place in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand without any collaborative action from the alliance.
Mamata Banerjee and Leadership Frustrations
On December 7, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed frustration over the alliance’s poor performance in recent elections. Claiming credit for forming the bloc, Banerjee offered to lead it, stating, “If those currently leading cannot manage it, I am ready to lead from Bengal.” Her statement garnered support from parties like Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Samajwadi Party but also invited criticism from the BJP, which argued that opposition leaders lack confidence in Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.
Delhi Elections: Divided Opposition
In the Delhi Assembly elections, the Congress stands alone while the AAP has secured support from the Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT). AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal acknowledged their support and emphasized that the elections are a direct contest between AAP and BJP, sidelining the I.N.D.I.A alliance.
Meanwhile, Congress veteran Ashok Gehlot labeled AAP as a direct opponent in Delhi, accusing Kejriwal of misleading voters. In response, Kejriwal highlighted an alleged tacit understanding between Congress and BJP, thanking Gehlot for making their alliance public.
RJD’s Stance on I.N.D.I.A Alliance
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav also questioned the alliance’s relevance post-elections. “The primary goal of the I.N.D.I.A bloc was to defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and the coalition was limited to that purpose,” he said during a party event in Buxar.
The Journey of I.N.D.I.A Alliance
The I.N.D.I.A bloc was formed on June 23, 2023, in Patna under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. It held six meetings in total, with the final one on June 1, 2024, chaired by Mallikarjun Kharge. However, internal disagreements over seat-sharing and leadership roles have plagued the alliance.
Key Meetings:
- First Meeting (June 2023): Convened in Patna by Nitish Kumar.
- Second Meeting (July 2023): Named the coalition as Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A).
- Third Meeting (August-September 2023): Established five committees, including campaign and strategy.
- Fourth Meeting (December 2023): Mamata Banerjee suggested Kharge as the PM face, supported by Kejriwal.
- Fifth Meeting (January 2024): Virtual meeting focused on seat-sharing, but no consensus was reached.
- Sixth Meeting (June 2024): Claimed the bloc could secure over 295 seats, but subsequent inactivity raised doubts.
Current Status and Challenges
The I.N.D.I.A bloc faces significant challenges, including leadership struggles, lack of coordination, and differing priorities among member parties. With upcoming elections, its relevance and effectiveness remain uncertain.
This divide underscores the need for a clear vision and stronger leadership if the coalition is to sustain itself as a formidable force against the BJP.
