'United we stand, divided we fall': Rahul Gandhi's message to INDIA allies

Invoking the phrase "United we stand, divided we fall", the Congress leader stressed that the Opposition's strength lay in collective action and cautioned allies against weakening the alliance through internal rivalries.

During his nearly 15-minute address, Rahul Gandhi reportedly told alliance partners that defeating the BJP was not an impossible task, pointing to the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as evidence that a united Opposition could challenge the ruling party effectively.

Concerns over support from alliance partners

According to media reports, Rahul Gandhi expressed disappointment over what he viewed as insufficient support from some alliance members on key issues, including allegations of voter list manipulation and "vote chori".

He is also learnt to have criticised parties that frequently target the Congress despite remaining part of the INDIA bloc.

According to NDTV's sources, parties such as the Trinamool Congress and the Left came under scrutiny during the discussions.

Sonia Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee are seen to embrace each other warmly at the INDIA bloc meeting. Photo: Official Facebook/Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress leader argued that constant public criticism among alliance partners only benefited the BJP and undermined the Opposition's broader political objectives.

INDIA bloc to approach Chief Justice on voter list concerns

A key outcome of the meeting was a consensus among Opposition parties to formally approach the Chief Justice of India over concerns related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and alleged irregularities in voter lists.

The bloc plans to submit a joint letter to the Chief Justice at the earliest opportunity, seeking intervention on what it described as serious concerns regarding electoral processes.

Kharge cites delimitation bill victory as example of unity

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the Opposition's recent show of strength in Parliament, referring to the united stand taken against the Centre's Delimitation Bill.

"On April 17, 2026, we demonstrated our unity and solidarity in the Lok Sabha in a very decisive manner when we all came together firmly to defeat the Modi government's malicious bills on delimitation. Now we must strengthen that same spirit even further," Kharge said.

Mallikarjun Kharge hailed the Opposition's unity against the Centre's Delimitation Bill. Photo: Official Facebook/Rahul Gandhi.

He added that a stronger and more cohesive Opposition was necessary to address the political, economic, social and foreign policy challenges facing the country.

Meeting follows mixed electoral fortunes

The INDIA bloc meeting came nearly a month after elections in four states produced mixed results for alliance constituents.

The BJP returned to power in Assam and West Bengal, while the Congress secured a victory in Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay emerged as the biggest political winner.

Rahul Gandhi also referred to the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, noting that the BJP's tally had fallen to 240 seats from 303 in 2019, while the Congress improved its performance to 99 seats.

INDIA bloc to meet every two months

Seeking to institutionalise coordination among Opposition parties, the INDIA bloc decided to hold meetings every two months.

INDIA alliance members agreed to meet every 2 months. Photo: Official Facebook/Rahul Gandhi.

The next meeting of the alliance is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad in August, as Opposition leaders look to maintain momentum and present a united front against the BJP ahead of future political contests.