INDIA bloc meets today: Who's attending and who's skipping the first key huddle after the Lok Sabha polls?

The INDIA opposition bloc will convene its first major meeting in New Delhi on June 8, focusing on electoral setbacks and future strategy. The gathering follows recent assembly election results, where the BJP secured victories in West Bengal and Assam, marking a major blow to the opposition alliance. Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, requested the meeting after losing power in West Bengal after 15 years, while facing internal dissent. Twenty-three parties, including Congress, will attend, though some, like DMK and AAP, are skipping due to political disputes. DMK cited Congress’ ‘betrayal’ after the party allied with TVK in Tamil Nadu, ending DMK’s one-term rule. AAP’s absence reflects broader tensions within the bloc. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh confirmed that absent parties still oppose the Narendra Modi government’s policies, including electoral restrictions and economic challenges. The meeting will address recent electoral losses and chart a path forward for the 2029 general elections. Key issues include internal conflicts, such as Congress-CPM disputes over Kerala election allegations and Congress-JMM tensions over Rajya Sabha candidate nominations. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray will attend virtually. The gathering at the Constitution Club of India begins at 12 noon, with discussions expected to center on electoral strategies and criticism of the ruling BJP’s governance. The bloc’s unity remains fragile, with recent political realignments and internal disagreements testing its cohesion.