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CPI(M) said the Congress’s approach towards regional allies and opposition parties was “not helpful in building the unity of secular forces in a united fight against the RSS-BJP”
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva,
Cracks within the opposition’s INDIA bloc appear to be widening, with the CPI(M) openly criticising the Congress leadership and reviving concerns among allies over the Congress party’s approach towards regional partners.
At its recent Central Committee meeting, the CPI(M) issued a sharp statement targeting the Congress, accusing it of undermining opposition unity at a time when, according to the Left party, “the growth of right-wing forces necessitates the unity of all Left, progressive, secular and democratic forces”.
The CPI(M) said the Congress’s approach towards regional allies and opposition parties was “not helpful in building the unity of secular forces in a united fight against the RSS-BJP”. The party also strongly objected to allegations made by senior Congress leaders during the Kerala Assembly elections that the CPI(M) had an “understanding” with the BJP.
Calling the accusations “baseless” and “malicious,” the CPI(M) asserted that it has consistently fought communal politics and remains an important constituent of the INDIA bloc.
The criticism is significant because it comes from one of Congress’ key allies within the opposition alliance and reflects growing unease among regional and Left parties over Congress’ functioning within the bloc.
Similar concerns had also surfaced within the alliance during the recent political developments in Tamil Nadu surrounding actor Vijay’s political entry and the emergence of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Sources in the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) had then expressed unhappiness over Congress’ outreach towards TVK without wider consultations within the alliance. According to sources, allies such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held discussions with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on the evolving political situation and collectively deliberated on how to respond to TVK’s rise.
However, DMK sources claimed the Congress neither formally discussed the issue with Stalin nor held wider consultations with alliance partners before making political overtures towards TVK. The move was quietly criticised by several INDIA bloc constituents in the state, who felt coalition coordination was being sidelined.
These episodes have once again highlighted the internal contradictions within the INDIA bloc, which was formed to present a united opposition challenge to the BJP. While the alliance came together electorally against the BJP, tensions between the Congress’ national expansion plans and the sensitivities of powerful regional allies continue to persist.
The growing friction could also have consequences inside Parliament. Over the past few sessions, a relatively united INDIA bloc had managed to coordinate strategy effectively in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, allowing the opposition to corner the government on key issues and, in some cases, stall or delay the passage of important bills through coordinated protests and floor management.
However, the CPI(M)’s unusually direct public criticism, combined with discomfort within the DMK camp and recurring tensions with the TMC, now brings those underlying fault lines into the open once again, raising fresh questions over how cohesive the INDIA bloc can remain ahead of future state elections and key parliamentary battles.
A fragmented opposition may weaken its bargaining power in Parliament and make it harder to mount a collective challenge against the BJP-led NDA government on legislative as well as political issues.
Political observers believe the Congress faces a difficult balancing act trying to strengthen its organisational presence across states while also maintaining trust among alliance partners. Regional parties, meanwhile, are increasingly wary of unilateral decisions that could weaken coordination within the opposition camp.
Kerala, India, India
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