Chidambaram Doubts INDIA Bloc Unity, Khurshid Admits Concerns Must Be Addressed

NOOR MOHMMED

    17/May/2025

  • P Chidambaram says INDIA bloc appears frayed and questions its present-day unity

  • Salman Khurshid agrees there are concerns that the alliance must urgently address

  • Remarks come ahead of key Bihar Assembly elections, with INDIA bloc under pressure

Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has raised a red flag over the stability of the INDIA bloc, the Opposition alliance formed to challenge the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Speaking at the launch of a book co-authored by Congress leader Salman Khurshid and RJD leader Mritunjay Singh Yadav, Chidambaram admitted that he is “not sure” whether the alliance remains intact.

“The future (of INDIA bloc) is not so bright, as Mritunjay Singh Yadav said. He seems to feel the alliance is still intact, but I am not sure. It shows at the seams that it is frayed,” Chidambaram said at the event held on Friday.

The book, Contesting Democratic Deficit, reflects on Congress' revival efforts, including the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the formation of the INDIA bloc as a response to the perceived democratic backsliding under the BJP.


INDIA Bloc: Still United or Quietly Unraveling?

The INDIA bloc (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) was formed as a broad coalition of Opposition parties to contest the 2024 general elections. While it won 235 Lok Sabha seats, the BJP-led NDA clinched 293 seats, forming the government.

Chidambaram's candid remarks indicate growing uncertainty about the alliance's post-election unity, especially ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, where RJD and Congress are set to contest as coalition partners against the NDA.

“It is only Salman (Khurshid) who can answer because he was part of the negotiating team. If the alliance is totally intact, I will be very happy,” said Chidambaram.


Khurshid Responds: Acknowledges Internal Challenges

Responding to Chidambaram’s remarks, Salman Khurshid admitted that the concerns are valid and must be addressed if the INDIA bloc is to remain viable.

The alliance's broad ideological diversity, including regional heavyweights like RJD, DMK, TMC, AAP, and Left parties, has led to occasional friction on seat-sharing, strategy, and leadership questions.

“We rallied to defend the idea of an inclusive, pluralistic India, but there are still concerns to address,” Khurshid said, agreeing that internal introspection is required.


Chidambaram’s Dire Warning on BJP’s Consolidation

In his remarks, Chidambaram was particularly forceful in describing the BJP as a “formidable machinery”, drawing attention to its deep entrenchment in both election infrastructure and state institutions.

“There has been no political party so formidably organised as the BJP. It is a machine behind a machine—and they control all machineries in India,” he asserted.

He further added that the BJP's dominance extends from the Election Commission to the grassroots level, even influencing the police stations across the country.


Countdown to Bihar Assembly Elections

The INDIA bloc is now gearing up for the Bihar Assembly polls, with RJD, Congress, and Left parties aligned against Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP.

Chidambaram’s doubts strike at a sensitive time when opposition unity is critical for challenging the NDA in the state.

The Bihar elections are widely seen as a litmus test for the INDIA bloc’s relevance post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Any breakdown in coordination or poor performance could further fracture the already fragile alliance.


Book Launch: Congress Strategy, BJP’s Grip on Power

In Contesting Democratic Deficit, authors Khurshid and Yadav detail the Congress party's roadmap and the opposition coalition’s formation before the 2024 elections. They stress how INDIA bloc parties came together to counter BJP’s majoritarian agenda.

The book also delves into the electoral challenges, the influence of state-controlled institutions, and the growing democratic deficit in India’s polity.

“The 2029 elections are critical. If it strengthens the BJP, we are beyond repair,” Chidambaram warned, emphasising the need to restore full-fledged democracy in India.


A Fragile Alliance Under Pressure

Political observers note that Chidambaram’s statement is one of the most explicit acknowledgements from a senior Congress leader that the INDIA bloc’s cohesion is faltering.

Although top leaders like Rahul Gandhi have continued to voice support for the alliance, practical difficulties in seat-sharing, policy coordination, and regional leadership clashes have made sustained cooperation challenging.


Congress Caught Between Revival and Coalition Building

The Congress party, still recovering from its 2024 election defeat, now faces the difficult task of reviving its base while also keeping the alliance intact. With Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal heading for crucial elections in the next 12 months, the party’s leadership will be tested on both fronts.

Khurshid’s tacit agreement with Chidambaram highlights the need for a strategic rethink, even as INDIA bloc constituents reaffirm their commitment publicly.


The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Victory Electric Vehicles InternationalBorana WeavesDar Credit and Capital,Belrise IndustriesWagons Learning.


The Current active IPO are Accretion Pharmaceuticals.


Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.


Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst

Related News
onlyfans leakedonlyfan leaksonlyfans leaked videos