The JD(U) challenged the INDIA bloc ahead of its virtual strategy meeting. Its criticism highlights unresolved leadership disputes and competing state-level interests.
INDIA bloc leaders gathered for a high tea hosted by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi at his Sunehri Bagh residence in New Delhi on October 13. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi,Oct 22, 2026 14:40 IST
The JD(U) on Thursday questioned the rationale behind the INDIA bloc, pointing to the lack of consensus among its constituents on leadership, common issues and a joint electoral strategy, even as several of its parties are set to contest against one another in state elections.
The remarks came ahead of a virtual meeting of INDIA bloc leaders scheduled for Thursday evening to discuss a roadmap for protests over the “vote chori” issue and ways to press for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, sources said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will chair the meeting, which will also review preparations for the opposition alliance's rally in Delhi on November 1, they said.
The meeting comes amid speculation that the government could convene Parliament to pass a Constitution amendment bill involving delimitation for the early implementation of the Women's Reservation Act.
Speaking to PTI, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad questioned the effectiveness of the opposition alliance, arguing that its constituents continue to be political rivals in several states despite coming together at the national level.
“Whether they meet virtually or in person, their parties will be seen contesting against each other in upcoming elections. Their contests against each other will be much more difficult than their fight against the BJP,” he said.
Prasad cited Punjab, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress are set to fight against each other, and West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Congress and Left parties have been political opponents.
“In Punjab, the AAP and the Congress will be fighting against each other. In West Bengal, people have already seen how the TMC, Congress and Left parties were fighting against one another,” he said.
The JD(U) leader said the absence of agreement on leadership, common issues and a coordinated electoral strategy raised questions about the alliance's purpose.
“What, then, is the rationale behind such alliances when there is no consensus on leadership or issues and no plan to contest elections together? The INDIA bloc must clarify the rationale behind such an alliance,” he said.
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